College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter 1 - Section 1.2 - Quadratic Equations - 1.2 Assess Your Understanding - Page 102: 92

Answer

$\displaystyle \{\frac{1}{3}\}.$

Work Step by Step

The denominator on the RHS can be factored to $(x+2)(x-1)$. We must exclude $x=1 $and $x=-2$ from the solutions, as the equation would not be defined for these values. Multiply both sides with the LCD, $(x+2)(x-1)$ $3x(x-1)+1(x+2)=4-7x$ Distribute and simplify (write in standard fom). $3x^{2}-3x+x+2-4+7x=0$ $3x^{2}+5x-2=0$ Two factors of $ac=-6$ whose sum is $b=5$ are +6 and -1. Rewrite the LHS: $3x^{2}+6x-x-2=0$ $3x(x+2)-(x+2)=0$ $(3x-1)(x+2)=0$ By the zero product rule, x can be either -2 or $\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}.$ But, we excluded -2 as a possible solution at the beginning, so the solution set is $\displaystyle \{\frac{1}{3}\}.$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.