Math Problem Statement

Perform and simplify: \( \frac{x^2 + 3x - 4}{x^2 - 9} \div \frac{x + 4}{x - 3} \)

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to perform and simplify the given expression:

x2+3x4x29÷x+4x3\frac{x^2 + 3x - 4}{x^2 - 9} \div \frac{x + 4}{x - 3}

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Rewrite the Division as Multiplication: Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. Thus, we have: x2+3x4x29×x3x+4\frac{x^2 + 3x - 4}{x^2 - 9} \times \frac{x - 3}{x + 4}

  2. Factor the Expressions:

    • For the numerator x2+3x4x^2 + 3x - 4: x2+3x4=(x+4)(x1)x^2 + 3x - 4 = (x + 4)(x - 1)
    • For the denominator x29x^2 - 9: x29=(x+3)(x3)x^2 - 9 = (x + 3)(x - 3)

    Substituting these factors back into the expression, we get: (x+4)(x1)(x+3)(x3)×x3x+4\frac{(x + 4)(x - 1)}{(x + 3)(x - 3)} \times \frac{x - 3}{x + 4}

  3. Cancel Common Terms:

    • The x+4x + 4 terms in the numerator and denominator cancel out.
    • The x3x - 3 terms in the numerator and denominator also cancel out.

    This simplifies to: x1x+3\frac{x - 1}{x + 3}

Final Answer

The simplified expression is:

x1x+3\frac{x - 1}{x + 3}

Correct Answer Choice

The correct answer is: A. x1x+3\frac{x - 1}{x + 3}


Would you like additional details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. How would you simplify x25x+6x29÷x2x+3\frac{x^2 - 5x + 6}{x^2 - 9} \div \frac{x - 2}{x + 3}?
  2. What is the result of 2x2+7x+3x216×x4x+3\frac{2x^2 + 7x + 3}{x^2 - 16} \times \frac{x - 4}{x + 3}?
  3. How do you simplify x2+2x8x24÷x+2x2\frac{x^2 + 2x - 8}{x^2 - 4} \div \frac{x + 2}{x - 2}?
  4. Can you solve x2+6x+9x29×x3x+3\frac{x^2 + 6x + 9}{x^2 - 9} \times \frac{x - 3}{x + 3}?
  5. What steps are required to simplify x2x6x24x+3÷x2x1\frac{x^2 - x - 6}{x^2 - 4x + 3} \div \frac{x - 2}{x - 1}?

Tip: When simplifying expressions with division, always rewrite the division as multiplication by the reciprocal of the second fraction and look for common factors to cancel out.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Simplification

Formulas

Factoring quadratic expressions

Theorems

Division of Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11