How do you solve x+ \frac { 6 } { x } = 5?

1 Answer
Oct 12, 2016

x=2 and x=3

Explanation:

I would approach this problem by finding the common denominator on both sides of the equation then simplify the equation.

x+6/x=5

The common denominator (LCD) is x

(x^2+6)/(1 cancel x)=(5x)/(1 cancel x)

Simplify the x's or use another method but you will see that you will end up simplifying the x

x^2+6=5x

x^2-5x+6=0

Here, too you can use any method you are comfortable with, as for me I always find the Delta

Delta=b^2-4ac, with a=1, b=-5 and c=6

Delta=(-5)^2-4(1)(6)=1=>sqrt Delta=+-1

x_1=(-b+sqrt Delta)/(2a) and x_2=(-b-sqrt Delta)/(2a)

x_1=(5+1)/(2)=3 and x_2=(5-1)/(2)=2

So, x=2 and x=3 is your solution.