Problem:
Find all real numbers that satisfy the equation
and simplify your answer(s) as much as possible. Justify your solution.
Solutions — 2
Solution 1
Solution:
The number works. Indeed, for , the left-hand side of the equation equals
and the right-hand side of the equation equals the same number:
Why is the only solution? The equation is linear: after simplifying it, it can be put into the form . Such equations have a unique solution, namely, , as long as the coefficient of is not . In our situation, is multiplied by
However, each of the 21 fractions in the first sum is bigger than each of the 21 fractions in the second sum . Thus, and . Since , the equation has a unique solution, which we found earlier to be .
Solution 2
Solution:
If we subtract from both sides (i.e., we subtract from each of the fractions on both sides), we obtain
or
which implies , or .
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