SOLUTION: A student was asked to simplify; 2/x-1 + 5/x+3 and gave the answer x=2/7. Explain this student's mistake.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: A student was asked to simplify; 2/x-1 + 5/x+3 and gave the answer x=2/7. Explain this student's mistake.      Log On


   

Question 367778: A student was asked to simplify;
2/x-1 + 5/x+3
and gave the answer x=2/7. Explain this student's mistake.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The student added an equal sign.
The original expression must remain an expression.
The student turned it into an equation (with an "=" sign) and solved it.