01 If \(x=\sqrt5+2\), what is the value of \(x+\frac1x\)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. \(2\sqrt5\)
Explanation: The governing concept is using a conjugate to rationalise the reciprocal of a surd expression. Since x = √5 + 2, multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/x by √5 − 2: 1/x = (√5 − 2)/[(√5 + 2)(√5 − 2)] = (√5 − 2)/(5 − 4) = √5 − 2. Now add this to x: x + 1/x = (√5 + 2) + (√5 − 2) = 2√5. Therefore option A is correct. Option B incorrectly combines constants and irrational terms, option C leaves out one √5 term, and option D is merely the given value of x rather than the requested sum. The cancellation of +2 and −2 is the key step.