Intermediate Algebra (11th edition)

EXERCISES 59 – 60

Two views of the graph of are shown. Use the graphs to respond to

Exercises 59 and 60. See the Connections box.

59.How many solutions does the equation have?

60.Use the display to give the solution set of ƒ 1 x 2 = 0.

ƒ 1 x 2 = 0

10

–5

–5 5

10

–5

–5 5

ƒ 1 x 2 =x^74 - x^82 + 1

TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTS

394 CHAPTER 7 Rational Expressions and Functions

Solve each formula for the specified variable. See Section 2.2.

61. for t 62. for r


62. for c 64.a= for B

1

2

P=a+b+c h 1 b+B 2

d=r t I=pr t

PREVIEW EXERCISES

SUMMARY EXERCISESon Rational Expressions and Equations

A common student error is to confuse an equation, such as , with an expression

involving an operation, such as. Equations are solved for a numerical answer, while

problems involving operations result in simplified expressions.

x

2 +

x

3

x

2 +

x

3 =-^5

Solving an Equation

Solve:

x

2

+

x

3

=- 5

Simplifying an Expression Involving

an Operation

Add:

x

2

+

x

3

Look for the

equals symbol.

Multiply each side by the LCD, 6.

Check that the solution set is 5 - 66.

x=- 6

5 x=- 30

3 x+ 2 x=- 30

6 a

x

2

b+ 6 a

x

3

b= 61 - 52

6 a

x

2

+

x

3

b= 61 - 52

Write both fractions with the LCD, 6.

=

5 x

6

=

3 x+ 2 x

6

=

3 x

6

+

2 x

6

=

x# 3

2 # 3

+

x# 2

3 # 2

x

2

+

x

3