SOLUTION: Can you give me a step by step of how to solve this: If x = –3, what is the value of x^2 - 1 / x + 1 ?

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Question 145798: Can you give me a step by step of how to solve this:
If x = –3, what is the value of x^2 - 1 / x + 1 ?

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28x%5E2-1%29%2F%28x+%2B+1%29 Start with the given expression.


%28%28-3%29%5E2-1%29%2F%28-3+%2B+1%29 Plug in x=-3.


%289-1%29%2F%28-3+%2B+1%29 Square -3 to get 9.


%288%29%2F%28-3+%2B+1%29 Subtract 1 from 9 to get 8.


%288%29%2F%28-2%29 Add -3 to 1 to get -2.


-4 Reduce



So %28x%5E2-1%29%2F%28x+%2B+1%29=-4 if x=-3