If n denotes a number to the left of 0 on the number line such that the square of n is less than [tex]\small \frac{1}{100}[/tex], then the reciprocal of n must be _________.

Respuesta :

The reciprocal of n must be less than –10

Solution:

Given n denotes a number to the left of 0 means n < 0.

Square of n is less than [tex]\frac{1}{100}[/tex] means [tex]n^2<\frac{1}{100}[/tex].

Therefore, we have [tex]n<0[/tex] and [tex]n^2<\frac{1}{100}[/tex].

⇒ [tex]n^2<\frac{1}{100}[/tex]

Taking square root on both sides, we get

⇒ [tex]n<\± \frac{1}{10}[/tex]

⇒[tex]\frac{-1}{10}<n<\frac{1}{10}[/tex]

⇒ But we know that n < 0, so [tex]n<\frac{1}{10}[/tex] false.

It should be [tex]\frac{-1}{10}<n[/tex].

To equal the expression, multiply both sides of the equation by –10n.

⇒ [tex]-\frac{1}{10} \times\frac{-10}{n}>n \times\frac{-10}{n}[/tex]   (symbol < changed to > when multiply by minus)

⇒ [tex]\frac{1}{n}>-10[/tex]

Hence, the reciprocal of n must be less than –10.