Math Is Fun Forum

  Discussion about math, puzzles, games and fun.   Useful symbols: ÷ × ½ √ ∞ ≠ ≤ ≥ ≈ ⇒ ± ∈ Δ θ ∴ ∑ ∫ • π ƒ -¹ ² ³ °

You are not logged in.

#1 2014-11-09 15:06:46

CIV
Member
Registered: 2014-11-09
Posts: 74

Rational Equation

For the life of me I can't figure out how to solve this problem. Please help me understand this.

1/(k+2) - 4/(k-2) - k^2/(4-k^2) = 0

I got as far as this: -k^4 + 3k^3 + 14k^2 -12k - 40 = 0

I can't figure out what's next or even if I came to the correct point. I've wasted so much time trying to figure this out. I have to skip it and move on to complete my homework.

Thanks in advance:) Oh by the way,... I love this website!!! So helpful! I use it all the time.

Offline

#2 2014-11-09 16:00:39

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Rational Equation

Hi;

You should notice that,

you should be able to finish now.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

#3 2014-11-09 16:07:08

CIV
Member
Registered: 2014-11-09
Posts: 74

Re: Rational Equation

It's funny because i did notoce that. I know that the opposites such as (2-k) and (k-2) when one is in the numerator and one is in the denominator they cancel out and leave behind a -1. I forgot you could do what you showed me:) Thanks:)

Hey, how do you post the arithmetic the way you did? As oppose to the way I did it.

Offline

#4 2014-11-09 16:12:03

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Rational Equation

There is a page that does it all for you:

http://www.codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php

let me know if you need help with it and welcome to the forum.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

#5 2014-11-09 16:16:32

CIV
Member
Registered: 2014-11-09
Posts: 74

Re: Rational Equation

Awesome. Thanks so much. Going to save that site for future use. I know I'm to need it and this site again:) Thanks again:)

Offline

#6 2014-11-09 16:30:37

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Rational Equation

It is a nice site and you are welcome.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

Board footer

Powered by FluxBB