Where defined?

[Mr. Tokar]

I have a problem and the only instruction says where defined.

x² - 9
x + 2 =
x - 3
x - 2

Does anyone know what this question is asking?

 

[pappus]

I have a problem and the only instruction says where defined.

x² - 9
x + 2 =
x - 3
x - 2

Does anyone know what this question is asking?

1. I assume that you mean:

\(\displaystyle \displaystyle{\frac{\frac{x^2-9}{x+2}}{\frac{x-3}{x-2}}} = \)

2. If so: You certainely know that the division by zero is not allowed. So you have to find those cases where a denominator becomes zero (3 cases!)

3. Afterwards you can simplify this term.

 

[HallsofIvy]

And notice that there are three denominators to consider.

 

[mmm4444bot]

the only instruction says where defined

Does anyone know what this question is asking?

The question is asking for the set of numbers (for x) that cause the given expression to exist.

Start with the entire set of Real numbers and remove from it all values for x that cause the given expression to become undefined; what's left over is your answer.

If you do not understand what this means, please let us know.


Have you learned yet how to simplify an expression where one ratio is being divided by another ratio?