Introductory Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13417-805-X
ISBN 13: 978-0-13417-805-9

Chapter 7 - Section 7.4 - Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Different Denominators - Exercise Set - Page 517: 16

Answer

$(x-6)(x+1)(x-5)$

Work Step by Step

Step 1. Factor both denominators. The first one is a trinomial $x^{2}+bx+c.$ ... We find factors of $c=-6$ whose sum is $b=-5$. ... these are $-6$ and $+1$. $x^{2}-5x-6=(x-6)(x+1)$ The second one is also a trinomial $x^{2}+bx+c.$ ... We find factors of $c=-5$ whose sum is $b=-4$. ... these are $-5$ and $+1$. $x^{2}-4x-5=(x-5)(x+1)$ Step 2. List the factors of the first denominator. $ List=(x-6),(x+1),...\qquad$ (list in progress) Step 3. Add to the list in step 2 any factors of the second denominator that are not yet listed. $(x-5)$ is not in the list, we add it to the list $List=(x-6),(x+1),(x-5),...$ $(x+1)$ is already in the list - do not add it to the list. Step 4. LCD is the product of the listed factors. $LCD=(x-6)(x+1)(x-5)$
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