 |
| ||
| |||
|
| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
|
Question from Joe, a parent: w+3 2w W2 is = w squared -4 but have no idea how this was solved. any help is appreciated. Thanks. |
Hi Joe,
Since w2 - 1 = (w - 1)(w + 1) if you multiply the numerator and denominator of the second equation by (w + 1) the two fractions will have the same denominator. Do this and then multiply both sides of the equation by w2 - 1 to yield a quadratic equation you can solve for w. Check to see if the solutions to the quadratic are actually solutions to the original equation.
Penny
| ||
| ||
| ||
 |
 |
|
Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.