Expert: Abe Mantell - 8/18/2011

Question
I reallllyyy need help with this please!! It's Fractional Equations...
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18. k/(k+1) + k/(k-2) = 2

19. 1/(x+1) - 1/(x+2) = 1/2

20. 1/(s+3) + 1/(s-5) = (1-s)/(s+3)

21. x/(x+3)+1/(x-1) = 4/(x^2 + 2x - 3)

Answer
Hello Serena,

18. k/(k+1) + k/(k-2) = 2
We can get a common denominator, (k+1)(k-2), or justy multiply both
sides by the LCD - which is what I will do.
(k+1)(k-2)[k/(k+1) + k/(k-2)]=2(k+1)(k-2)
k(k-2)+k(k+1)=2(k^2-k-2)
k^2-2k+k^2+k=2k^2-2k-4
k=-4

Solve these the same way (try it)!
19. 1/(x+1) - 1/(x+2) = 1/2
...x=-3 or 0

20. 1/(s+3) + 1/(s-5) = (1-s)/(s+3)
...s=1 or 3

21. x/(x+3)+1/(x-1) = 4/(x^2 + 2x - 3)
...x=-1

Abe