If 2x2 + 5x + 1 = 0, then find the value of \(\frac{1}{3}\) (x - \(\frac{1}{2x}\)).
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
2x2 + 5x + 1 = 0
divide by 2x
x + \(\frac{5}{2}\) + \(\frac{1}{2x}\) = 0
x + \(\frac{1}{2x}\) = -\(\frac{5}{2}\)
x - \(\frac{1}{2x}\) = \(\sqrt {(-\frac{5}{2})^2 - \frac{4}{2}}\) = \(\sqrt {\frac{17}{4}}\)
Now, \(\frac{1}{3}\) (x - \(\frac{1}{2x}\)) = \(\frac{\sqrt {17}}{3 × 2}\) = \(\frac{\sqrt {17}}{6}\)