College Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32178-228-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-228-1

Chapter P - Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra - Exercise Set P.6 - Page 86: 20

Answer

$\frac{x+3}{x-2} ; x\ne2,-2,3,-3$

Work Step by Step

The factors of $(x^{2}+5x+6 )$ is $(x+3)$ and $(x+2)$. The expression $(x^{2}+x-6 )$'s factors are $(x+3)$ and $(x-2)$. $(x^{2}-9)$ is the difference of squares, so the factors are $(x-3)$ and $(x+3)$. $(x^{2}-x-6 )$'s factors are $(x-3)$ and $(x+2)$. The given expression can be written as $= \frac{(x+3)(x+2)}{(x+3)(x-2)} . \frac{(x+3)(x-3)}{(x-3)(x+2)}$ The denominators are $(x+3)(x-2)(x-3)(x+2)$. So the numbers 2,-2,3,-3 must be excluded, otherwise they will make the denominator zero. $= \frac{(x+3)(x+2)}{(x+3)(x-2)} . \frac{(x+3)(x-3)}{(x-3)(x+2)} ; x\ne 2,-2,3,-3;$ Divide out common factors from numerator and denominator. The result is $=\frac{x+3}{x-2} ; x\ne 2,-2,3,-3;$
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