A student solves the following equation and determines that the solution is -2 . Is the student correct? Explain. \( \frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6 a}{a^{2}-4}=\frac{1}{a-2} \)
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Let's analyze the equation step by step. The left side can be simplified by recognizing that the denominators \(a^2 - 4\) can be factored into \((a + 2)(a - 2)\). Making this substitution, we can combine the fractions on the left side. The equation leads us to see that \(a = -2\) causes division by zero in the left-hand side, making the solution invalid. Thus, the student is incorrect! Moreover, when dealing with rational expressions, always check for restrictions on the variable. In this case, since \(a - 2\) and \(a + 2\) appear in the denominators, we find that \(a\) cannot equal \(2\) or \(-2\). By preventing these values, it ensures the equation has valid solutions—another reason why the student's solution cannot be considered valid.