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 7.3 - Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with the Same Denominator - Exercise Set - Page 507: 63

Answer

$\displaystyle \frac{x-3}{x-1}$ , $\; x\neq-7$

Work Step by Step

When one denominator is the opposite, or additive inverse of the other, first multiply either rational expression by $\displaystyle \frac{-1}{-1}$ to obtain a common denominator. $\displaystyle \frac{x^{2}-2}{x^{2}+6x-7}+\frac{19-4x}{7-6x-x^{2}} \cdot \displaystyle \frac{-1}{-1}= \displaystyle \frac{x^{2}-2}{x^{2}+6x-7}+\frac{-(19-4x)}{-(7-6x-x^{2})}$ $= \displaystyle \frac{x^{2}-2}{x^{2}+6x-7}+\frac{4x-19}{x^{2}+6x-7} $ ... To add/subtract rational expressions with the same denominator, add/subtract numerators and place the sum/difference over the common denominator. $= \displaystyle \frac{x^{2}+4x-21}{x^{2}+6x-7}$ ... factor both trinomials $x^{2}+bx+c$. ... find factors of $c$ whose sum is $b$ $=\displaystyle \frac{(x+7)(x-3)}{(x+7)(x-1)}$ ... common factors cancel, = $\displaystyle \frac{x-3}{x-1}$ , $\; x\neq-7$
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