SOLUTION: Please help-I am stuck. Find the restricted values of x for the given rational expression. x^2 + 15 divided by x^2-3x-4

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Please help-I am stuck. Find the restricted values of x for the given rational expression. x^2 + 15 divided by x^2-3x-4      Log On


   



Question 354412: Please help-I am stuck. Find the restricted values of x for the given rational expression. x^2 + 15 divided by x^2-3x-4
Found 2 solutions by scott8148, Earlsdon:
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
restricted values usually involve division by zero (a no-no)

factoring the denominator ___ (x + 1)(x - 4)

so if x equals -1 or 4 , the denominator will equal zero and the expression will be undefined

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the restricted values of x:
%28x%5E2%2B15%29%2F%28x%5E2-3x-4%29
The restricted values of x are those values of x that would make the denominator equal zero. First factor the denominator.
%28x%5E2%2B15%29%2F%28x%2B1%29%28x-4%29
The denominator will be zero when:
x%2B1+=+0 or x-4+=+0
If x%2B1+=+0 then x+=+-1 or
If x-4+=+0 then x+=+4
The restricted values of x are:
x+=+-1 and x+=+4