How do you solve # 4/(x^2-2x-3) = [-x/(x-3)] [-1/(x+1)]#?

1 Answer
Oct 23, 2015

#x=4#

Explanation:

Start by simplifying the right side:
#color(white)("XXX")(-x/(x-3))(-1/(x+1))=x/(x^2-2x-3#

So the given equation is equivalent to
#color(white)("XXX")4/(x^2-2x-3) = x/(x^2-2x-3)#

#rArrcolor(white)("XXX")x=4#

This, of course, assumes #x!=3# and #x!=-1#; otherwise the original equation is meaningless.