Question

The sum of two non-zero numbers a and b equals the sum of their reciprocals. If a+b≠0, what is the product of the two numbers?

Answer 1

ab = 1

Explanation:

A Reciprocal of a number is a number which when multiplied by the original number yields the multiplicative number, 1.

So the reciprocal of x would be x⁻¹ or ¹⁄ₓ

The information we are given states that the sum of the two non-zero numbers a and b equals the sum of their reciprocals.

So we can write this into an equation and solve,

(See image)

Once we solve, we get the equation (ab-1)(a+b) = 0

We are given info that a+b≠0

So for the above equation to be true, ab-1 has to equal 0

For this to be true, the product ab must equal 1