Intermediate Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13417-894-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-13417-894-3

Chapter 6 - Section 6.1 - Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing - Exercise Set - Page 415: 86

Answer

$\frac{1}{x+3}$.

Work Step by Step

The given expression is $=\frac{x^2-9}{x^3-27}\div \frac{x^2+6x+9}{x^2+3x+9}$ Replace divide sign with multiplication sign and reciprocal the right hand side fraction as shown below. $=\frac{x^2-9}{x^3-27}\times \frac{x^2+3x+9}{x^2+6x+9}$ Factor each denominator and numerator. $=x^2-9$ $=x^2-3^2$ Use algebraic identity $a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)$. $=(x+3)(x-3)$ $=x^3-27$ $=x^3-3^3$ Use algebraic identity $a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)$. $=(x-3)(x^2+3x+9)$ $=x^2+3x+9$ This is the prime polynomial. $=x^2+6x+9$ Rewrite middle term. $=x^2+3x+3x+9$ Group terms. $=(x^2+3x)+(3x+9)$ Factor from each group. $=x(x+3)+3(x+3)$ Factor out common term. $=(x+3)(x+3)$ Plug all factors into the given expression. $=\frac{(x+3)(x-3)}{(x-3)(x^2+3x+9)}\times \frac{x^2+3x+9}{(x+3)(x+3)}$ Cancel common terms. $=\frac{1}{x+3}$.
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