Is x = -1 a Valid Solution for the Equation x/1 = x + 1/x?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter hedons
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The equation x/1 = x + 1/x leads to a discussion on the validity of x = -1 as a solution. The correct interpretation of the equation is crucial; if rewritten as x = x - 1/x, it simplifies to 0 = -1/x, indicating that x cannot equal -1. The equation x = 1/x has no valid solutions, while x = 1 + 1/x yields the golden ratio, approximately 1.618. Ultimately, x = 1 is established as a valid solution, while x = -1 is not.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algebraic equations
  • Familiarity with the concept of limits
  • Knowledge of the quadratic formula
  • Basic grasp of the golden ratio
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the quadratic formula and its applications in solving equations
  • Learn about the properties of the golden ratio and its mathematical significance
  • Explore the concept of limits in calculus
  • Investigate the implications of undefined values in algebraic expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students learning algebra, educators teaching mathematical concepts, and anyone interested in the properties of equations and their solutions.

hedons
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
x/1 = x+1/x
 
Last edited:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
0/0 . . or
SqrRoot of -0
 
My answer is "hedons"
 
x/1 = x
so your eq becomes:

x = x - 1/x
->0=-1/x...
unless you take the limit you are nobody...
 
hedons said:
x/1 = x+1/x
x=±sqrt(1/(1-1))

you're the 4 grade student, who just studied what an "equation" is
 
hedons said:
x/1 = x+1/x

Is that written as \frac {x}{1} = x + \frac{1}{x} or is it supposed to be \frac {x}{1} = \frac{x+1}{x}?
 
oh yea, cause if its the second one then its the golden ratio. 1.61828 or whatever.
 
theCandyman said:
Is that written as \frac {x}{1} = x + \frac{1}{x} or is it supposed to be \frac {x}{1} = \frac{x+1}{x}?

then if it's the second

x^2 = x+1
x^2-x-1 =0
x=(1(+-) (((-1)^2)-(4)(1)(-1))^0.5) (2(1))^-1
x= (1(+-)(5^0.5))/2
interesting ?
 
An anomoly, that's what you are!
 
  • #10
i think it should be infinity. putting value of xas infinite we will satisfy the equation.
 
  • #11
Are we ever getting a answer here? :confused:
 
  • #12
x = 1/x has no solution. For x = 1 + 1/x, x = ~1.618 (the "golden ratio").
 
  • #13
pack_rat2 said:
x = 1/x has no solution.

?! I think x=1 is a solution.
 
  • #14
So is x = -1.
 
  • #15
bjr_jyd15 said:
?! I think x=1 is a solution.
I believe he meant to say 0=1/x.
 
  • #16
theCandyman said:
So is x = -1.
Ahhhh...x = 1 is so obvious. but x = -1 doesn't work.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K