SOLUTION: I am a resource teacher for freshman. One of my students has the problem (3/x-1) - 4= (1/x+1). He must use the quadratic formula to solve. Help!

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: I am a resource teacher for freshman. One of my students has the problem (3/x-1) - 4= (1/x+1). He must use the quadratic formula to solve. Help!      Log On


   

Question 431975: I am a resource teacher for freshman. One of my students has the problem (3/x-1) - 4= (1/x+1). He must use the quadratic formula to solve. Help!
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

Can only assume it is:

3%2F%28x-1%29-4+=+1%2F%28x%2B1%29   |Multiplying thru with (x+1)(x-1)so as all denomimators=1

  3(x+1)-4(x-1)(x+1) = (x-1)

  3x+1-4(x^2-1)= x-1

   3x+1-4x^2+4 = x-1

   4x^2 -2x -6 = 0    |Note: standard format ax^2 + bx + c

x+=+%28-b+%2B-+sqrt%28+b%5E2-4%2Aa%2Ac+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+

x+=+%282+%2B-+sqrt%28+100%29%29%2F%288%29+

x+=+%282+%2B-+10+%29%2F%288%29+

   x = 12/8 = 3/2

   x = -8/8 = -1