Math Problem Statement

Solve the equation: 3/(x+9) - 2/(x+5) = 0

Solution

The equation in the image is:

3x+92x+5=0\frac{3}{x+9} - \frac{2}{x+5} = 0

Let's solve this step by step.

Step 1: Combine the two fractions

To combine the two fractions, we need a common denominator. The common denominator between x+9x + 9 and x+5x + 5 is their product, (x+9)(x+5)(x + 9)(x + 5). Rewrite the equation with this common denominator:

3(x+5)2(x+9)(x+9)(x+5)=0\frac{3(x+5) - 2(x+9)}{(x+9)(x+5)} = 0

Step 2: Simplify the numerator

Expand both terms in the numerator:

3(x+5)=3x+153(x+5) = 3x + 15 2(x+9)=2x+182(x+9) = 2x + 18

Now substitute these into the equation:

(3x+15)(2x+18)(x+9)(x+5)=0\frac{(3x + 15) - (2x + 18)}{(x+9)(x+5)} = 0

Step 3: Simplify further

Simplify the numerator by distributing the negative sign and combining like terms:

(3x+15)(2x+18)=3x+152x18=x3(3x + 15) - (2x + 18) = 3x + 15 - 2x - 18 = x - 3

So the equation becomes:

x3(x+9)(x+5)=0\frac{x - 3}{(x+9)(x+5)} = 0

Step 4: Solve for xx

For this fraction to be zero, the numerator must be zero:

x3=0x - 3 = 0

Solving this:

x=3x = 3

Step 5: Check for restrictions

The values x=9x = -9 and x=5x = -5 would make the denominators zero, which are not allowed. Since x=3x = 3 does not violate these restrictions, it is a valid solution.

Final Answer:

x=3x = 3

Would you like more details on any part of the solution?

Here are 5 related questions you could explore:

  1. How do you solve rational equations with more than two fractions?
  2. What happens if a fraction’s denominator equals zero in an equation?
  3. How can you verify a solution for a rational equation?
  4. What are extraneous solutions in rational equations, and how do they occur?
  5. How do you find the least common denominator in complex rational equations?

Tip: Always check for restrictions by setting the denominators not equal to zero before concluding the solution of rational equations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Equations
Common Denominators

Formulas

(a/b) - (c/d) = 0 where b and d are different
Combining fractions with a common denominator
Solving rational equations by setting the numerator equal to 0

Theorems

Fraction properties
Solving rational equations by equating the numerator to zero

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10