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1. ) Explain the error in this simplification
2.) Show your work as you correct the error

1. ) Explain the error in this simplification 2.) Show your work as you correct the-example-1
User Dasdom
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1 Answer

19 votes
19 votes

Answer:

Given equation:

  • 1 - 2/(x - 2) = (x + 1)/(x + 2)

Correct solution:

  • (x - 2 - 2)/(x - 2) = (x + 1)/(x + 2) complete the fraction on the left
  • (x - 4)(x + 2) = (x + 1)(x - 2) cross-multiply
  • x² + 2x - 4x - 8 = x² - 2x + x - 2 open parenthesis
  • -2x - 8 = -x - 2 simplify
  • -x = 6
  • x = -6

Errors

  • Step 1. not counting 1 as part of equation. It wasn't included into fraction.
  • Step 1. not multiplying (x - 2) by 1.
  • Step 4. - x + 2x = -2x is incorrect, it should be x
User Bradford Dillon
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2.8k points