1.

If x + 1/x = 12 find the value of x – 1/x.

Answer»

We know that x + 1/x = 12

So when squaring both sides, we get

(x + 1/x)2 = (12)2

x2 + 2 × x × 1/x + (1/x)2 = 144

x2 + 2 + 1/x2 = 144

x2 + 1/x2 = 144 – 2

x2 + 1/x2 = 142

When subtracting 2 from both sides, we get

x2 + 1/x2 – 2 × x × 1/x = 142 – 2

(x – 1/x)2 = 140

x – 1/x = √140



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