Advanced MathVery hardSolving rational equations
Advanced Math practice question
What is the solution to the equation 6/(x − 2) = 3?
- A. x = 0
- B. x = 2
- C. x = 4Correct
- D. x = 20
Answer: C. x = 4
Multiply both sides by (x − 2): 6 = 3(x − 2) = 3x − 6, so 3x = 12 and x = 4. Check: 6/(4 − 2) = 6/2 = 3. ✓ The trap is choice B, x = 2, which makes the denominator zero and is not a valid solution.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. x = 0
- After getting 6 = 3x − 6 you subtracted 6 from the left side instead of adding, giving 3x = 0. Add 6 to both sides: 3x = 12, so x = 4.
- B. x = 2
- x = 2 makes the denominator x − 2 equal to zero, so the expression is undefined — always check that a candidate solution doesn't kill the denominator.
- D. x = 20
- You multiplied by 3 instead of dividing: x − 2 = 6 × 3 = 18. Clearing the fraction gives 6 = 3(x − 2), so x − 2 = 2 and x = 4.
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