Intermediate Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321785045
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-504-6

Chapter 8 - Section 8.3 - Solving Equations by Using Quadratic Methods - Exercise Set - Page 501: 8

Answer

$\left\{ 1-\sqrt{3},1+\sqrt{3} \right\}$

Work Step by Step

Multiplying both sides of the given equation, $ \dfrac{6}{x^2}=\dfrac{3}{x+1} ,$ by the $LCD= x^2(x+1) $, then, \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} x^2(x+1)\left( \dfrac{6}{x^2} \right)=\left( \dfrac{3}{x+1} \right)x^2(x+1) \\\\ (x+1)(6)=3(x^2) \\\\ 6x+6=3x^2 \\\\ -3x^2+6x+6=0 .\end{array} Using $\dfrac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$ (or the Quadratic Formula), the solutions of the quadratic equation, $ -3x^2+6x+6=0 ,$ are \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} \dfrac{-(6)\pm\sqrt{(6)^2-4(-3)(6)}}{2(-3)} \\\\= \dfrac{-6\pm\sqrt{36+72}}{-6} \\\\= \dfrac{-6\pm\sqrt{108}}{-6} \\\\= \dfrac{-6\pm\sqrt{36\cdot3}}{-6} \\\\= \dfrac{-6\pm\sqrt{(6)^2\cdot3}}{-6} \\\\= \dfrac{-6\pm6\sqrt{3}}{-6} \\\\= \dfrac{-6(1\pm\sqrt{3})}{-6} \\\\= \dfrac{\cancel{-6}(1\pm\sqrt{3})}{\cancel{-6}} \\\\= 1\pm\sqrt{3} .\end{array} Upon checking, both solutions satisfy the original equation. Hence, the solutions are $ \left\{ 1-\sqrt{3},1+\sqrt{3} \right\} .$
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