The sum of the reciprocals of two consecutive even integers is \(9/40\) . This can be represented by the equation shown.
\(\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{x+2}=\frac{9}{40}\)
Use the rational equation to determine the integers. Show your work.
1/x + 1/(x+2) = 9/40
Multiply each term by the common denominator of 40(x)(x+2):
[1/x](40)(x)(x+2) + [1/(x+2)](40)(x)(x+2) = [9/40](40)(x)(x+2)
40(x+2) + (40)(x) = 9(x)(x+2)
40x + 80 + 40x = 9x2 + 18x
0 = 9x2 - 62x - 80
0 = (9x + 10)(x - 8)
Disregarding the answer which is a fraction:
---> x = 8; x + 2 = 10