The spring constant k is the force F divided by the amount x the spring stretches (k = F/x). See Fig. 7.2(a). For two springs in series [see Fig. 7.2(b)], the reciprocal of the spring constant k_c for the combination equals the sum of the reciprocals of the individual spring constants. Find the spring constants for each of two springs in series if k_c = 2 N/cm  and one spring constant is 3 N/cm more than the other.

F (a) (b) Fig.7.2 k +3