When a particular number is added to its own reciprocal, the resulting sum is −2. The number is which of the following?

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Accepted Answer

Let the unknown number be x . The problem states: x + 1 ⁄ x = −2 We can solve this algebraically or by testing the given options. Let's test the options: If x = −2: −2 + ( 1 ⁄ −2 ) = −2.5 ≠ −2 If x = −1: −1 + ( 1 ⁄ −1 ) = −1 − 1 = −2 (This satisfies the equation) Therefore, the number is −1.

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