Question

Divid 15 into two parts such that the sum of their reciprocal is 3/10

Answer 1

Let x and y be the 2 parts of 15 ==> x + y=15 (given)

Reciprocal of x and y ==> 1/x +1/y ==> 1/x + 1/y = 3/10 (given)


Let's solve  1/x + 1/y = 3/10 . Common denominator = 10.x.y (reduce to same denominator)

 ==> (10y+10x)/10xy = 3xy/10xy ==> 10x+10y =3xy

But x+y = 15 , then 10x+10y =150 ==> 150=3xy and xy = 50

Now we have the sum S of the 2 parts that is S = 15 and 
their Product = xy =50
Let's use the quadratic equation for S and P==> X² -SX +P =0
Or X² - 15X + 50=0, Solve for X & you will find:
The 1st part of 15 is 10 & the 2nd part is 5