Question

two positive real numbers differ by one and have a product equal to one. Find the value of the smaller number to the nearest hundredth

Answer 1

1.62

Explanation:

smaller number: y

x - y = 1 x = y+1

xy = 1

(y + 1) * y = 1

y² + y - 1 = 0

y = (-1 ± √(1² - 4 * 1 * -1)) / 2 = (-1 ± √5) / 2

small number: (-1 - √5) / 2 = - 1.62