Explanation

Given x = 3 - √8:

Step 1: Find 1/x

To rationalize the denominator, first simplify √8 to 2√2.

x = 3 - 2√2

1/x = 1 / (3 - 2√2)

Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate (3 + 2√2):

1/x = (3 + 2√2) / ((3 - 2√2)(3 + 2√2))

= (3 + 2√2) / (9 - 8)

= 3 + 2√2

Step 2: Calculate x + 1/x

x + 1/x = (3 - 2√2) + (3 + 2√2)

= 6