SOLUTION: I need some help with this math problem I have gotten this far and cant seem to finish it (It may be right) the directions say to reduce the following rational expression and spec

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I need some help with this math problem I have gotten this far and cant seem to finish it (It may be right) the directions say to reduce the following rational expression and spec      Log On


   

Question 147471: I need some help with this math problem I have gotten this far and cant seem to finish it (It may be right) the directions say to reduce the following rational expression and specify any restrictions on the variable

x+3
____
x^2-9 X+3
_____
(x+3)(x-3) lcd is (x+3)(x-3)
divide the top by (x-3) and you are left with 0 I know that isnt right

please help
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%28x%2B3%29%2F%28x%5E2-9%29 Start with the given expression.


%28%28x%2B3%29%29%2F%28%28x-3%29%2A%28x%2B3%29%29 Factor x%5E2-9 to get %28x-3%29%2A%28x%2B3%29.


%28highlight%28x%2B3%29%29%2F%28%28x-3%29highlight%28x%2B3%29%29 Highlight the common terms.


%28cross%28x%2B3%29%29%2F%28%28x-3%29cross%28x%2B3%29%29 Cancel out the common terms. Note: when you divide %28x%2B3%29%2F%28x%2B3%29, the result is 1 and not 0.


%281%29%2F%28%28x-3%29%29 Simplify.


So %28x%2B3%29%2F%28x%5E2-9%29 simplifies to %281%29%2F%28%28x-3%29%29.


In other words, %28x%2B3%29%2F%28x%5E2-9%29=%281%29%2F%28%28x-3%29%29 where x%3C%3E-3 or x%3C%3E3