Question 16

The number of distinct real roots of the equation $$(x+\frac{1}{x})^{2}-3(x+\frac{1}{x})+2=0$$ equals


Correct Answer: 1

Solution

Let $$a=x+\frac{1}{x}$$
So, the given equation is $$a^2-3a+2=0$$
So, $$a$$ can be either 2 or 1.

If $$a=1$$, $$x+\frac{1}{x}=1$$ and it has no real roots. 
If $$a=2$$, $$x+\frac{1}{x}=2$$ and it has exactly one real root which is $$x=1$$

So, the total number of distinct real roots of the given equation is 1

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