Intermediate Algebra (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321969359
ISBN 13: 978-0-32196-935-4

Chapter 8 - Chapter R-8 - Cumulative Review Exercises - Page 578: 5

Answer

$\emptyset$

Work Step by Step

In factored form, the given equation, $ \dfrac{3}{x-3}-\dfrac{2}{x-2}=\dfrac{3}{x^2-5x+6} ,$ is equivalent to \begin{align*} \dfrac{3}{x-3}-\dfrac{2}{x-2}&=\dfrac{3}{(x-2)(x-3)} .\end{align*} Multiplying both sides by the $LCD= (x-2)(x-3) ,$ the equation above is equivalent to \begin{align*} (x-2)(x-3)\left(\dfrac{3}{x-3}-\dfrac{2}{x-2}\right)&=\left(\dfrac{3}{(x-2)(x-3)}\right)(x-2)(x-3) \\\\ (x-2)(3)+(x-3)(-2)&=3(1) \\ 3x-6-2x+6&=3 \\ (3x-2x)+(-6+6)&=3 \\ x&=3 .\end{align*} If $x=3$ is substituted in the original equation, the first term, $\dfrac{3}{x-3}$, results to a division by zero (which is not allowed). Thus, $x=3$ is NOT a solution to the original equation. Hence, there is no solution to the given equation.
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