Sum of reciprocals of integers is given - find integers

Since you don't show how you got 3.44, I can't tell you what you did wrong. But the two integer solutions are [b]17 and 19[/b].
  • #1
jackleyt
20
0

Homework Statement


The sum of the reciprocals of two consecutive odd integers is 28/195. Find the two integers.


Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution


28/195= 1/x + 1/(x-2)
Solved using quadratic formula and got 3.44, which does not seem to be right.. Any help?
 
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  • #2


jackleyt said:

Homework Statement


The sum of the reciprocals of two consecutive odd integers is 28/195. Find the two integers.


Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution


28/195= 1/x + 1/(x-2)
Solved using quadratic formula and got 3.44, which does not seem to be right.. Any help?

"Two consecutive odd integers...", you have then two numbers to start with:
2n+1, and 2n+3. The 'n' is a variable and the factor of 2 ensures that the entire expression will be ODD. Note that 'n' will be an integer.
 
  • #3


Using "x" and "x-2" is just as valid as "2n+3" and "2n+1" so the equation you have, 1/x+ 1/(x-2)= 28/195 is perfectly good. Unfortunately, you have left out the important part: you don't show how you got 3.44. 1/x+ 1/(x-2)= 28/195, after you multiply the entire equation by 195x(x-2) becomes a quadratic formula and I get two integer solutions.
 

1. How do you calculate the sum of reciprocals of integers?

The sum of reciprocals of integers can be calculated by adding the reciprocals of each integer in the given set. For example, if the set is {1,2,3,4}, the sum of reciprocals would be 1/1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4 = 2.0833.

2. What is the formula for finding the sum of reciprocals of integers?

The formula for finding the sum of reciprocals of integers is 1/1 + 1/2 + 1/3 + ... + 1/n, where n is the number of integers in the given set.

3. Can the sum of reciprocals of integers be negative?

No, the sum of reciprocals of integers cannot be negative. The reciprocals of positive integers will always be positive, and adding positive numbers will result in a positive sum.

4. What is the significance of finding the sum of reciprocals of integers in mathematics?

Finding the sum of reciprocals of integers is important in various mathematical concepts such as series and sequences, numerical integration, and harmonic mean. It also has applications in physics and engineering.

5. Is there a pattern in the sum of reciprocals of integers?

Yes, there is a pattern in the sum of reciprocals of integers known as the Harmonic Series. As the number of integers in the set increases, the sum approaches a limit, which is known as the harmonic constant and has a value of approximately 0.5772.

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