Advanced MathHardRational equation whose quadratic terms cancel
Advanced Math practice question
For what value of x does (x − 1)/(x + 2) equal (x + 1)/(x − 2)?
Answer: 0
Cross-multiply: (x − 1)(x − 2) = (x + 1)(x + 2) → x² − 3x + 2 = x² + 3x + 2 → −6x = 0 → x = 0.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 1
- 1 gives 0 on the left and −2 on the right.
- If you answered 2
- 2 makes the right side's denominator zero and is not allowed.
- If you answered -2
- −2 makes the left side's denominator zero.
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