Math Problem Statement

Factor the numerator:

x2−9=(x−3)(x+3)

Factor the denominator:

x2−x−6=(x−2)(x+3)

Simplifying, we get:

(x−3)(x+3)(x−2)(x+3)=x−3x−2

Therefore, the restrictions are:

x≠2

Solution

It looks like you're simplifying an expression, but it seems like the last part might be a little bit off. Let's go through the steps carefully:

Given:

  • Numerator: x29x^2 - 9
  • Denominator: x2x6x^2 - x - 6

Step 1: Factor the numerator

The numerator is a difference of squares: x29=(x3)(x+3)x^2 - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3)

Step 2: Factor the denominator

To factor x2x6x^2 - x - 6, we need two numbers that multiply to 6-6 and add to 1-1. These numbers are 3-3 and 22, so: x2x6=(x3)(x+2)x^2 - x - 6 = (x - 3)(x + 2)

Step 3: Simplify the expression

Now the expression looks like: (x3)(x+3)(x3)(x+2)\frac{(x - 3)(x + 3)}{(x - 3)(x + 2)} We can cancel out the common factor of (x3)(x - 3) (but remember that x3x \neq 3 because division by zero is undefined): x+3x+2\frac{x + 3}{x + 2}

Step 4: Identify the restrictions

The restrictions come from the factors in the denominator. Since (x3)(x - 3) and (x+2)(x + 2) cannot be zero, the restrictions are: x3andx2x \neq 3 \quad \text{and} \quad x \neq -2

Final Answer:

The simplified expression is: x+3x+2\frac{x + 3}{x + 2} with restrictions: x3,x2x \neq 3, \quad x \neq -2


Would you like more details about any of the steps, or do you have any further questions? Here's a list of related questions to explore:

  1. How do we factor quadratic expressions when the leading coefficient is not 1?
  2. What is the difference between a difference of squares and a sum/difference of cubes?
  3. Can we cancel terms in rational expressions only when they are factors of both the numerator and denominator?
  4. How do you find the restrictions on a rational expression?
  5. What happens when you try to simplify a rational expression with a zero denominator?

Tip: Always check for restrictions by considering what values would make any denominator equal to zero, as division by zero is undefined.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Factoring
Rational Expressions
Simplification

Formulas

Difference of squares
Factoring quadratics

Theorems

Zero product property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10