College Algebra (10th Edition)

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

Chapter R - Section R.2 - Algebra Essentials - R.2 Assess Your Understanding - Page 27: 64

Answer

$(b)$ and $(d)$

Work Step by Step

RECALL: The denominator of a rational expression is not allowed to be equal to zero since division of zero is undefined. Factor the denominator using the formula $a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)$ to obtain: $\dfrac{x^3}{x^2-1} = \dfrac{x^3}{x^2-1^2}=\dfrac{x^3}{(x-1)(x+1)}$ Find the values of $x$ that will make the denominator equal to zero by using the zero-factor theorem. Equate each factor of the denominator to zero then solve each equation to obtain: $\begin{array}{ccc} \\&x-1 = 0 &\text{ or } &x + 1 = 0 \\&x = 1 &\text{ or } &x=-1 \\\end{array}$ Thus, in the given expression, $x$ cannot be equal to $-1$ or $1$ since they make the denominator equal to 0. Therefore, the answer is: $(b)$ and $(d)$.
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