Question

Are 3x-2 and 3x2 reciprocals? Explain.

Answer 1

No

The only thing stopping these from being reciprocals is the -2. Say x becomes 3

First we get 3(9)-2.

Next, we'd get 3(3)(2)

Answer 2

Answer: No, 3x-2 and 3x^2 are not reciprocals.

Step-by-step explanation: The reciprocal of a number is defined as the multiplicative inverse of that number, which means that when a number is multiplied by its reciprocal, the result is 1. For example, the reciprocal of 2 is 1/2, because 2 * (1/2) = 1.

In contrast, 3x-2 and 3x^2 are not numbers, they are expressions that contain variables. It is not possible to determine their reciprocals without knowing the values of the variables.

For example, if x=1, then the reciprocal of 3x-2 would be (1/3)/(1-2) = -1/3, and the reciprocal of 3x^2 would be (1/3)/(1^2) = 1/3. However, if x=2, then the reciprocal of 3x-2 would be (1/3)/(2-2) = undefined, and the reciprocal of 3x^2 would be (1/3)/(2^2) = 1/12.

So it is not accurate to say that 3x-2 and 3x^2 are reciprocals.