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About Lynn Houston
Expertise
I can answer questions in basic algebra and any grade school math.

Experience
Love math, currently helping my nephew get through Intermediate Algebra.

Education/Credentials
I majored in Math Ed in college (but decided not to teach), so have over 40 credits of math.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Science > Math for Kids > Basic Math > Finding all real solutions of the equation:

Basic Math - Finding all real solutions of the equation:


Expert: Lynn Houston - 6/18/2009

Question
1/(x-1) + 1/(x+2) = 5/4

Answer
Start by multiplying each part by 4(x-1)(x+2), the denominator and part of the numerator will cancel out in each part.

4(x+2) + 4(x-1) = 5(x-1)(x+2)  No do the math
4x + 8 + 4x - 4 = 5x^2 + 5x -10  Combine like terms
8x + 4 = 5x^2 + 5x -10  Move everything to the right of =
0 = 5x^2 -3x - 14  Factor
0 = (5x + 7)(x - 2) Take each factor and set it = 0
5x + 7 = 0  or x-2 = 0
x = - 7/5 or  x = 2


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