Rational Equation: 9/se^2-4 = 4-5s/s-2

[clotfelterjk]

9/se^{2}-4 = 4-5s/s-2

 

[Greg]

Hello clotfelterjk and welcome to MHB! :D

9/se^{2}-4 = 4-5s/s-2

It's not clear from your question exactly what it is that you are trying to do. Do you want to solve for s?
Can you add parentheses where appropriate? E.g. 9/(se^2-4) = (4 - 5s)/(s - 2). Also, is 'e' Euler's
constant?

We ask that members show any work or thoughts on how to begin. Have you made any effort to
solve this problem yourself? If not, do you have any thoughts on where to begin? We ask this to avoid
duplication of effort on our part.

 

[clotfelterjk]

The example you gave is correct. As for the ''e'' that just stands for exponent. I hope that clears things up. Sorry for the vagueness.:)

 

[Greg]

Given that $s^2-4=(s-2)(s+2)$ can you get a common denominator and write the rational equation as
a single quadratic equalling $0$?

Please show your work (that's one of the rules here, for reasons already explained. We would also like
you to learn by doing).

 

[suluclac]

To avoid violating the forum rules, I can't exactly give you the correct method prematurely.
At first, I thought the OP simply meant $$\frac{9}{se^2-4}=\frac{4-5s}{s-2}$$. To answer this one, s ≠ 4/e², 2.
So Greg as already given you how to factor the denominator, which gives us both (s - 2)(s + 2) & s - 2.
Can these 2 denominators equal to 0? Why or why not?