How to Find Discontinuities Without a Calculator?

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To find the discontinuities of the function 3x+1/x^2+7x-2 without a calculator, identify when the denominator equals zero, as this indicates undefined values. The quadratic formula can be applied to solve for the roots of the denominator, which will reveal the points of discontinuity. The discussion also touches on historical methods of solving such problems, referencing contributions from Arab mathematicians. Participants express their struggles with math but find encouragement and solutions through collaboration. Understanding how to handle fractions and quadratic equations is essential for solving these types of problems.
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How can i find the discontinuitys of \frac{3x+1}{\ x^2+7x-2} without a calculator?

This is an even numbered homework question to which the teacher says he won't help us and there is no answer in the book, plus we are not allowed to use calculators.
 
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hows your history? i believe this problem was solved by the arabs many hundreds of years ago.

hint: you may have to use a square root symbol.
 
Think of when a fraction is left undefined.
 
My history with math is I am very bad at it.

edit- OK I think I just have to use the quadratic formula by hand instead of on a calc so i get exact answers. wow I am stupid :smile:

Thx for the help guys.
 
Last edited:
mathwonk said:
hows your history? i believe this problem was solved by the arabs many hundreds of years ago.

hint: you may have to use a square root symbol.

:smile: nice one mathwonk, i'll save this one for next time :devil:
 

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