Exercises 41–60 contain rational equations with variables in denominators. For each equation, a. write the value or values of the variable that make a denominator zero. These are the restrictions on the variable. b. Keeping the restrictions in mind, solve the equation. 3/(x + 4) - 7 = - 4/(x + 4)
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
1. Equations & Inequalities
Linear Equations
Problem 55
Textbook Question
Solve each equation for x. a²x + 3x =2a²
Verified step by step guidance1
Start with the given equation: \(a^{2}x + 3x = 2a^{2}\).
Factor out the common factor \(x\) on the left side: \(x(a^{2} + 3) = 2a^{2}\).
To isolate \(x\), divide both sides of the equation by the quantity \((a^{2} + 3)\): \(x = \frac{2a^{2}}{a^{2} + 3}\).
Check the denominator to ensure it is not zero, which would make the expression undefined. Since \(a^{2} + 3\) is always positive for all real \(a\), division is valid.
Thus, the solution for \(x\) is expressed as \(x = \frac{2a^{2}}{a^{2} + 3}\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Combining Like Terms
Combining like terms involves adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. In the equation a²x + 3x = 2a², both terms on the left contain x, so they can be combined by factoring x out, simplifying the expression for easier solving.
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Combinations
Factoring
Factoring is the process of expressing an expression as a product of its factors. Here, factoring x from a²x + 3x gives x(a² + 3), which simplifies the equation and allows isolating x by dividing both sides by (a² + 3), assuming it is not zero.
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Solving Linear Equations
Solving linear equations involves isolating the variable on one side to find its value. After factoring, the equation becomes x(a² + 3) = 2a², and dividing both sides by (a² + 3) yields x = 2a² / (a² + 3), provided the denominator is not zero.
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