Question

the sum of a number and 72 times its reciprocal is -17. Find the number

Answer 1

Let, the number = x

Then, x + 72/x = -17

x² + 72 = -17x

x² + 17x + 72 = 0

x² + 8x + 9x + 72 = 0

x(x + 8) 9(x + 8) = 0

(x + 8)(x + 9) = 0

x = -8 OR -9

In short, Your Number would be: Either -9 or -8

Hope this helps!