solve for x-check: 5/x+6+2/x^2+7x+6=3/x+1

jburgswife30

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5/x+6+2/x^2+7x+6=3/x+1

This is what I have so far

LCD=(x+6)(x+1)

5(x+1)+5(x+1)=3(x+6)

5x+5+5x+5=3x+18

10x+10=3x+18

7x+10=18

7x=8

Ok, where did I go wrong?
 
Re: solve for x-check

Oooookay, wife of Mr Burg:

jburgswife30 said:
5/x+6+2/x^2+7x+6=3/x+1
To start, that needs brackets: 5 / (x+6) + 2 / (x^2+7x+6) = 3 / (x+1)

jburgswife30 said:
This is what I have so far
LCD=(x+6)(x+1)
Correct, because equation simplifies to : 5 / (x+6) + 2 / [(x+6)(x+1)] = 3 / (x+1)

jburgswife30 said:
5(x+1)+5(x+1)=3(x+6)
Huh? What happened to the "2"; why 5(x+1) twice? Should be:

5(x+1) + 2 = 3(x+6)
5x + 5 + 2 = 3x + 18
2x = 11
x = 11/2

2 / [(x+6)(x+1)] * (x+6)(x+1) = 2, right?
 
Re: solve for x-check

jburgswife30 said:
5/x+6+2/x^2+7x+6=3/x+1

This is what I have so far

LCD=(x+6)(x+1)

5(x+1)+5(x+1)=3(x+6)<-------here's your mistake

5x+5+5x+5=3x+18

10x+10=3x+18

7x+10=18

7x=8

Ok, where did I go wrong?

(x+6)(x+1)*[5 / (x+6)] + (x+6)(x+1)*[2 / (x+6)(x+1)] = (x+6)(x+1)*[3 / (x+1)]

Each denominator divides out with factors of the multiplier, leaving you with

5(x + 1) + 2 = 3(x + 6)

5x + 5 + 2 = 3x + 18

5x + 7 = 3x + 18

2x = 11

x = 11/2

See if that checks for you......
 
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