document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=382201>Question 382201</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> I hope someone can help me. I am suppose to: Which numbers can not be used in place of the variable in each rational expression? I need it worked out so I can understand it.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "The problem is 2y+1/y^2-y-6\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Thank you. </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #270952 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=stanbon><B>stanbon(75887)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=stanbon><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/nopicture.jpg><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=270952\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Which numbers can not be used in place of the variable in each rational expression? I need it worked out so I can understand it. <BR>\n" );
document.write( "The problem is 2y+1/y^2-y-6 <BR>\n" );
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document.write( "It's easier to see the values the variables cannot take<BR>\n" );
document.write( "if you factor the rational expression.<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "f(x) = (2y+1)/[(y-3)(y+2)]<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "This expression cannot be evaluated if the denominator is zero.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "So what values of y would make the denominator zero?<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Solve: (y-3)(y+2) = 0<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Since the product is zero, one, or both of the factors must be zero.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "If y-3=0, y = 3<BR>\n" );
document.write( "If y+2=0, y = -2<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "So, if y = -2 or y=3 the denominator will be zero <BR>\n" );
document.write( "and the rational expression will be meaningless.<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Answer: y = 3 or y = -2 <BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Cheers,<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Stan H. </SPAN>\n" );
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