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

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter hedons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the validity of x = -1 as a solution for the equation x/1 = x + 1/x. Participants explore various interpretations and manipulations of the equation, leading to differing conclusions about potential solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion over the equation's structure, questioning whether it should be interpreted as x/1 = x + 1/x or x/1 = (x + 1)/x.
  • One participant suggests that if the equation is interpreted as x/1 = (x + 1)/x, it leads to the quadratic equation x^2 - x - 1 = 0, which has solutions involving the golden ratio.
  • Another participant claims that x = 1/x has no solution, while also suggesting that x = 1 is a valid solution for the equation.
  • Some participants assert that x = -1 is a solution, while others argue that it does not satisfy the equation.
  • One participant proposes that setting x to infinity could satisfy the equation.
  • There are references to various mathematical anomalies and playful remarks about the participants' understanding of equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of x = -1 as a solution. There are multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of the equation and the solutions it may yield.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the equation's form and the implications of different interpretations. There are also unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the solutions presented.

hedons
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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.
 

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