The sum of two natural numbers is 5 and the sum of their reciprocals is $\frac{5}{6}$, the numbers are :
- (a)2 and 5
- (b)4 and 2
- (c)2 and 3
- (d)3 and 4
Show SolutionHide Solution↓
Let two natural numbers be x and y.
Given,
Sum = 5
⇒ x + y = 5
⇒ x = 5 - y ........(1)
Sum of reciprocals = $\frac{5}{6}$
⇒ $\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} = \frac{5}{6}$ ...........(2)
Substituting value of x from equation (1) in (2) :
$$\begin{aligned}\Rightarrow \frac{1}{5 - y} + \frac{1}{y} = \frac{5}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{y + 5 - y}{y(5 - y)} = \frac{5}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{5}{5y - y^2} = \frac{5}{6} \\[1em] \Rightarrow 5y - y^2 = \frac{6 \times 5}{5} \\[1em] \Rightarrow 5y - y^2 = 6 \\[1em] \Rightarrow y^2 - 5y + 6 = 0 \\[1em] \Rightarrow y^2 - 2y - 3y + 6 = 0 \\[1em] \Rightarrow y(y - 2) - 3(y - 2) = 0 \\[1em] \Rightarrow (y - 3)(y - 2) = 0 \\[1em] \Rightarrow y - 3 = 0 \text{ or } y - 2 = 0 \\[1em] \Rightarrow y = 3 \text{ or } y = 2.\end{aligned}$$
If y = 3,
x = 5 - y = 5 - 3 = 2.
If y = 2,
x = 5 - y = 5 - 2 = 3.
∴ Numbers are 2 and 3.
Hence, Option 3 is the correct option.

