solving for x in: (x^2 - 5) / (x^2 - 9) = 0

J

jwpaine

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Mar 10, 2007
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What is my first step to solving for x in this rational equation?
[(x^2) - 5] / [(x^2) - 9] = 0
 
Brain fart. :shock:

OK, Yes I understand, because for a rational to equal 0, the numerator has to be 0. I have to find what x equals for the resulting rational to be 0/x = 0

:oops:
 
Yes...why are you still confused?

[(x^2) - 5] / [(x^2) - 9] = 0

The numerator has to be 0; so x^2 - 5 = 0 : x^2 = 5 : x = sqrt(5) : done!
 
Denis said:
Yes...why are you still confused?

[(x^2) - 5] / [(x^2) - 9] = 0

The numerator has to be 0; so x^2 - 5 = 0 : x^2 = 5 : x = sqrt(5) : done!
Click to expand...

How come the denominator can't be zero?
 
jonboy said:
How come the denominator can't be zero?
Click to expand...
Is it possible to divide anything by zero?
Isn't that the very big NO-NO?
 
pka said:
jonboy said:
How come the denominator can't be zero?
Click to expand...
Is it possible to divide anything by zero?
Isn't that the very big NO-NO?
Click to expand...
Alright that makes since. But how can you do: 0/x because there is nothing to divide into? If that is legal, then why isn't x/0 legal?
 
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