Math Problem Statement

Solve the rational equation: 1/(x^2 - x - 6) + 3/(x + 2) = -4/(x - 3)

Solution

The equation shown in the image is:

1x2x6+3x+2=4x3\frac{1}{x^2 - x - 6} + \frac{3}{x + 2} = \frac{-4}{x - 3}

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Factor the quadratic expression x2x6x^2 - x - 6: x2x6=(x3)(x+2)x^2 - x - 6 = (x - 3)(x + 2) So the equation becomes: 1(x3)(x+2)+3x+2=4x3\frac{1}{(x - 3)(x + 2)} + \frac{3}{x + 2} = \frac{-4}{x - 3}

  2. Find a common denominator for the terms on the left-hand side:

    • The first term already has the denominator (x3)(x+2)(x - 3)(x + 2).
    • The second term can be rewritten to have the same denominator. Multiply the numerator and denominator by (x3)(x - 3): 3x+2=3(x3)(x3)(x+2)=3x9(x3)(x+2)\frac{3}{x + 2} = \frac{3(x - 3)}{(x - 3)(x + 2)} = \frac{3x - 9}{(x - 3)(x + 2)}

    Now the equation becomes: 1+(3x9)(x3)(x+2)=4x3\frac{1 + (3x - 9)}{(x - 3)(x + 2)} = \frac{-4}{x - 3} Simplify the numerator on the left-hand side: 3x8(x3)(x+2)=4x3\frac{3x - 8}{(x - 3)(x + 2)} = \frac{-4}{x - 3}

  3. Eliminate the denominator by multiplying both sides by (x3)(x - 3), assuming x3x \neq 3: 3x8x+2=4\frac{3x - 8}{x + 2} = -4

  4. Solve the resulting equation: Multiply both sides by x+2x + 2 to eliminate the denominator: 3x8=4(x+2)3x - 8 = -4(x + 2) Expand the right-hand side: 3x8=4x83x - 8 = -4x - 8

  5. Simplify and solve for xx: Add 4x4x to both sides: 7x8=87x - 8 = -8 Add 8 to both sides: 7x=07x = 0 Divide by 7: x=0x = 0

Final solution:

The solution is x=0x = 0, with the restriction that x3x \neq 3 and x2x \neq -2 because these values would make the original denominators zero.

Would you like to see any more details or further clarifications?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What happens if we substitute x=3x = 3 or x=2x = -2 in the original equation?
  2. Can you explain why we need a common denominator to solve the equation?
  3. How do you factor quadratic expressions like x2x6x^2 - x - 6?
  4. Why do we need to check for restrictions on xx when solving rational equations?
  5. How do you multiply and simplify rational expressions in algebra?

Tip: Always check for restrictions on variables in rational equations to avoid dividing by zero, which leads to undefined expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Equations
Factoring
Common Denominator
Simplifying Equations

Formulas

Quadratic Factoring: ax^2 + bx + c = (x - p)(x - q)
Common Denominator Method: (a/b) + (c/d) = (ad + bc)/(bd)

Theorems

Zero-Product Property
Cross Multiplication

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12