Question 15·Hard·Nonlinear Equations in One Variable; Systems in Two Variables
If and satisfy , what is in terms of ?
When a rational equation has the same linear expression in both denominators and you are asked for one variable in terms of the other, reduce it to a single-variable quadratic. Either (1) define a substitution like so the equation becomes something like , then clear denominators and use the quadratic formula, or (2) clear denominators directly and treat the result as a quadratic in . This keeps the algebra organized and helps you avoid sign and discriminant mistakes while quickly matching to the answer choices.
Hints
Use the repeated expression
Notice that appears in both denominators. Try defining a new variable for the ratio involving and so that the equation only has one variable.
Eliminate the fractions
If you let (or ), rewrite both terms in the equation using and then multiply to clear the denominator.
Recognize the quadratic
After substituting and clearing denominators, you should get a quadratic equation in . Use the quadratic formula and then convert back from to .
Desmos Guide
Set up the original relationship check
In Desmos, type the expression ((x-2)/y) + (y/(x-2)) and note that valid pairs must make this equal to 5. You will verify each answer choice by substitution rather than solving symbolically.
Create functions for each answer choice
For each option, define functions of using the + sign first. For example, for choice A define yA(x) = (x-2)*(5+sqrt(21))/2; for choice B define yB(x) = (x-2)*(5+sqrt(17))/2; similarly define yC(x) and yD(x) from their formulas (using the + in place of ±).
Check which choice satisfies the equation
For each candidate function, define a new function that plugs it into the original expression, e.g., fA(x) = (x-2)/yA(x) + yA(x)/(x-2). Then create a table of values for (such as , avoiding ) and look at , , etc. The correct answer choice will be the one whose corresponding function consistently gives for all tested -values.
Step-by-step Explanation
Turn the equation into a quadratic
Start with
where and .
Let
Then
so the equation becomes
Multiply both sides by (allowed because ):
which rearranges to the quadratic
Solve the quadratic for the ratio
Use the quadratic formula on
where , , and .
The quadratic formula gives
Substitute , , and :
So
Express y in terms of x and match the choice
From
solve for by multiplying both sides by :
This matches choice A) .