Questions: The sum of a number and 24 times its reciprocal is 11. Find the number(s).
Transcript text: The sum of a number and 24 times its reciprocal is 11. Find the number(s).
Solution
Solution Steps
To solve the equation \( x^2 - 11x + 24 = 0 \), we need to factor the quadratic expression. We look for two numbers that multiply to 24 and add up to -11. Once we find these numbers, we can write the quadratic in its factored form and solve for \( x \).
Step 1: Set Up the Equation
We start with the quadratic equation derived from the problem statement:
\[
x^2 - 11x + 24 = 0
\]
Step 2: Factor the Quadratic
Next, we factor the quadratic expression. We look for two numbers that multiply to \( 24 \) and add up to \( -11 \). The factors are \( -8 \) and \( -3 \):
\[
(x - 8)(x - 3) = 0
\]
Step 3: Solve for \( x \)
Setting each factor equal to zero gives us the solutions:
\[
x - 8 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 8
\]
\[
x - 3 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 3
\]
Final Answer
The solutions to the equation are:
\[
\boxed{x = 3} \quad \text{and} \quad \boxed{x = 8}
\]