Question

if a number is subtracted twice its reciprocal, the result is -23/5. what is the number?

Answer 1

If you meant: if a number is subtracted <b>from</b> twice its reciprocal , then

2(1/x) - x = -23/5
times x
2 - x^2 = -23/5
times 5
10 - 5x^2 = -23x
5x^2 - 23x - 10 = 0
(x - 5)(5x + 2) = 0
x = 5 or x = -2/5

check:
if x = 5, then 2/5 - 5 = -23/5 , checks!
if x = -2/5), then 2(-5/2) - (-2/5)
= -5 + 2/5
= -23/5 , checks!

Answer 2

It a number is subtracted from twice its reciprocal the result is -23/5 what is the number