SOLUTION: How would I set up the following problem to solve correctly? Write in lowest terms and for what value(s) of x is the fraction not defined? This is in the rational expressions chapt

Algebra ->  Rational-functions -> SOLUTION: How would I set up the following problem to solve correctly? Write in lowest terms and for what value(s) of x is the fraction not defined? This is in the rational expressions chapt      Log On


   

Question 112304This question is from textbook
: How would I set up the following problem to solve correctly? Write in lowest terms and for what value(s) of x is the fraction not defined? This is in the rational expressions chapter of the book.
x^2+3x
------
x^2+7x+12 This question is from textbook

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28x%5E2%2B3x%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B7x%2B12%29 Start with the given expression


%28x%28x%2B3%29%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B7x%2B12%29 Factor x%5E2%2B3x to get x%28x%2B3%29 (note: if you need help with factoring, check out this solver)

%28x%28x%2B3%29%29%2F%28%28x%2B4%29%28x%2B3%29%29 Factor x%5E2%2B7x%2B12 to get %28x%2B4%29%28x%2B3%29


%28x%2Across%28%28x%2B3%29%29%29%2F%28%28x%2B4%29cross%28%28x%2B3%29%29%29 Cancel like terms


x%2F%28x%2B4%29 Simplify

Remember, when x=-4 or x=-3 (by solving %28x%2B4%29%28x%2B3%29=0) , the denominator is zero. So for these values, the fraction is not defined.

So %28x%5E2%2B3x%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B7x%2B12%29 simplifies to x%2F%28x%2B4%29 with these restrictions.