huda wrote:
The reciprocal of x’s non-integer decimal part equals x + 1, and x > 0
Quantity A |
Quantity B |
x |
\(\sqrt{2}\) |
A) The quantity in Column A is greater.
B) The quantity in Column B is greater.
C) The two quantities are equal.
D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.
Say x = I + f, where I is the integer part and f is the decimal (fractional) part
\(=> 1/f = x + 1\)
\(=> 1/f = I + 1 + f\)
\(=> 1/f - f = I + 1\)
\(=> 1 - f^2 = f(I + 1)\)
\(=> f^2 + f(I + 1) - 1 = 0\)
\(=> f = [-(I+1) ± \sqrt{(I+1)^2 + 4}]/2\)
If \(I = 1: f = [-2 ± \sqrt{8}]/2 = -1 + \sqrt{2} => x = I + f = \sqrt{2}\)
(note that we took only the positive value of x)
Here, the quantities are equal
If \(I = 2: f = [-3 ± \sqrt{13}]/2 => x = I + f = [1 + \sqrt{13}]/2\)
=> \(x > \sqrt{2}\)
Here, quantity A is greater
Thus, the relationship cannot be determined from the information given
Answer D