Solve each equation in Exercises 83–108 by the method of your choice. 1/x + 1/(x + 3) = 1/4
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
Choosing a Method to Solve Quadratics
Problem 59
Textbook Question
Solve each equation in Exercises 41–60 by making an appropriate substitution.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the substitution by letting \( t = y - \frac{8}{y} \). This simplifies the given equation into a quadratic in terms of \( t \).
Rewrite the original equation using the substitution: \( t^2 + 5t - 14 = 0 \).
Solve the quadratic equation \( t^2 + 5t - 14 = 0 \) using the quadratic formula \( t = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \), where \( a=1 \), \( b=5 \), and \( c=-14 \).
After finding the values of \( t \), substitute back \( t = y - \frac{8}{y} \) to form equations in terms of \( y \): \( y - \frac{8}{y} = t \).
Multiply both sides of each equation by \( y \) to clear the denominator, resulting in quadratic equations in \( y \). Solve these quadratics to find the values of \( y \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Substitution Method
The substitution method involves replacing a complex expression with a single variable to simplify the equation. In this problem, the expression (y - 8/y) can be substituted with a new variable, reducing the equation to a quadratic form that is easier to solve.
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Quadratic Equations
A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of degree two, typically in the form ax² + bx + c = 0. After substitution, the given equation becomes quadratic, allowing the use of factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula to find solutions.
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Solving Rational Expressions
The original expression involves a rational term (8/y), so after finding solutions for the substituted variable, it is important to back-substitute and solve for y. This may involve solving rational equations and checking for extraneous solutions where the denominator is zero.
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