Math Problem Statement

Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD and solve the resulting quadratic equation. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.)

x x − 1 = 9x + 1 x − 1

Solution

To solve the given equation, let's first write it clearly:

xx1=9x+1x1\frac{x}{x - 1} = 9x + \frac{1}{x - 1}

Step 1: Eliminate the denominators by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator (LCD).

The LCD is x1x - 1, so we multiply both sides by x1x - 1:

(x1)×(xx1)=(x1)×(9x+1x1)(x - 1) \times \left( \frac{x}{x - 1} \right) = (x - 1) \times \left( 9x + \frac{1}{x - 1} \right)

This simplifies to:

x=(x1)(9x)+1x = (x - 1)(9x) + 1

Step 2: Expand the terms on the right-hand side:

x=(9x)(x1)+1x = (9x)(x - 1) + 1

Expanding 9x(x1)9x(x - 1):

x=9x29x+1x = 9x^2 - 9x + 1

Step 3: Rearrange the equation to form a quadratic equation:

Move all terms to one side:

0=9x29x+1x0 = 9x^2 - 9x + 1 - x

Simplify:

0=9x210x+10 = 9x^2 - 10x + 1

Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation using the quadratic formula:

The quadratic formula is:

x=b±b24ac2ax = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}

For 9x210x+1=09x^2 - 10x + 1 = 0, the coefficients are:

  • a=9a = 9
  • b=10b = -10
  • c=1c = 1

Now, apply the quadratic formula:

x=(10)±(10)24(9)(1)2(9)x = \frac{-(-10) \pm \sqrt{(-10)^2 - 4(9)(1)}}{2(9)}

x=10±1003618x = \frac{10 \pm \sqrt{100 - 36}}{18}

x=10±6418x = \frac{10 \pm \sqrt{64}}{18}

x=10±818x = \frac{10 \pm 8}{18}

Step 5: Find the two solutions:

x1=10+818=1818=1x_1 = \frac{10 + 8}{18} = \frac{18}{18} = 1 x2=10818=218=19x_2 = \frac{10 - 8}{18} = \frac{2}{18} = \frac{1}{9}

Step 6: Check for any extraneous solutions:

Since x=1x = 1 makes the denominator x1x - 1 equal to 0, it is not a valid solution. Thus, the only solution is:

x=19x = \frac{1}{9}

Final Answer:

The solution is x=19x = \frac{1}{9}.


Do you have any questions or need further details?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the quadratic formula and how is it derived?
  2. How do you identify the least common denominator in a rational equation?
  3. What are extraneous solutions and why do they occur in rational equations?
  4. How can we factor quadratic equations as an alternative to the quadratic formula?
  5. What is the discriminant and how does it determine the number of solutions for a quadratic equation?

Tip: Always check for extraneous solutions when solving equations that involve rational expressions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Equations
Quadratic Equations

Formulas

Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
Least common denominator (LCD)

Theorems

Quadratic Formula
Extraneous Solutions in Rational Equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12