The value of the expression a + 1/a is 6 given that a² - 6a + 1 = 0
How to evaluate the expression
From the question, we have the following parameters that can be used in our computation:
a² - 6a + 1 = 0
This can be expressed as
a² - 6a = -1
Factorize the expression on the left hand side
So, we have
a(a - 6) = -1
Divide both sides by a
a - 6 = -1/a
Given that
a + 1/a
We have
1/a = -(-1/a)
This means that
a + 1/a = a - a + 6
Evaluate
a + 1/a = 6
Hence, the expression when solved is 6
Question
If a² - 6a + 1 = 0, then find the value of a + 1/a