Rational Expressions: Solving Homework with Difficulty

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a rational expression involving a quadratic polynomial in both the numerator and the denominator. The original poster expresses difficulty in understanding how to determine when the expression is not defined, indicating a struggle with focus and self-teaching in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conditions under which a rational expression is undefined, particularly focusing on the values that make the denominator equal to zero. There is mention of factoring as a method to find these values.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the concept of undefined rational expressions, with some participants suggesting the need to factor the denominator. There is an acknowledgment of the original poster's challenges, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a lack of clarity in their textbook and expresses uncertainty about where to begin, which may impact their ability to engage with the problem effectively.

Annie_D
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Homework Statement


x (squared) + x - 30
_____________________
x (sqaured) -3x + 2

Find all numbers for which the rational expression is not defined.

i know this is really easy stuff, but i have a hard time staying focused in math, and i have to always teach myself with the book, but sometimes the book isn't very informative.

I have the answer, but don't know how to go about doing these problems. I know you like people to attempt them, but i don't even know where to begin after factoring the 30 .
 
Last edited:
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When is a rational expression (a fraction) not defined? For what value is division impossible?
 
0, i got in now though. thanks anyway.
 
So for what x will x2 - 3x + 2 = 0? You need to factor this trinomial to answer that question.
 

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