Question

Divide 8 into two parts such that the sum of their reciprocals is 8/15
@UnkleRhaukus

Answer 1

sum of their reciprocals*?

Answer 2

Yes.

Answer 3

8 = a+b

(1/a) + (1/b) = 8/15

Answer 4

combine these terms: (1/a) + (1/b)

like you would any of other fractions

Answer 5

They have given a hint
let the two parts be
8,8-x

Answer 6

Like
\[\frac{ 1 }{ 8 } + \frac{ 1 }{ 8 - x } = \frac{ 8 }{ 15 }\]

But how??

Answer 7

Hmm that seems a lot more straight forward than the way I did it :D lol
cool problem though :)

Answer 8

i don't think the method i am suggesting makes use of the hint

Answer 9

So,what next
@zepdrix @UnkleRhaukus ?

Answer 10

(1/a) + (1/b) = (b/ab) + (a/ab)
= ( . . . ) /ab

Answer 11

Can you use the hint please???

Answer 12

The hint does not make sense.

if 8 = 8 + (8-x), then x = 8, the second part is empty, and you haven't divided the 8 at all

Answer 13

But,They just can't give a USELESS hint in all probability.

Answer 14

Rhauk, I think this is what they had intended by the hint,
(this is actually the path I took).

8= a + b -> a=(8-b)

Substitute that for all the a in the other equation.

Answer 15

not all the a, the a.. blah

Answer 16

the one single a lol

Answer 17

?????
I'm confused now :(

Answer 18

They were likely calling the who numbers x and y.
So 8 = x + y.
y = 8-x.

8 = x + (8-x)

Answer 19

the two*
wow my typos t.t

Answer 20

I found the question much easier without the hint.

Answer 21

???????????????????????????????????????????

Answer 22

If you want to use the hint, don't follow my method.

Answer 23

I'm just lost now :(

Answer 24

I don't understand the method with the hint. —soory

Answer 25

I got x^2 - 8x - 15 = 0
@zepdrix

Answer 26

5 & 3?

Answer 27

i think a sign is wrong in the equation " x^2 - 8x - 15 = 0 " ,

Answer 28

+15*
My typos X_X

Answer 29

now check you answer,

does 8 = 5+3 ?

does 1/5+1/3 = 3/(3*5) + 5/(3*5)= 8/15 ?

Answer 30

yes/no, yes/no

Answer 31

Idk.

Answer 32

DOES 8 = 5 + 3 ?

count on your finders if you have to