Question
upstudy study bank question image url

A student solves the following equation and determines that the solution is -2 . Is the student correct? Explain. \( \frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6 a}{a^{2}-4}=\frac{1}{a-2} \)

Ask by Powell Valdez. in the United States
Mar 11,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The student is incorrect because there are no real solutions to the equation, so -2 is not a valid solution.

Solution

Solve the equation \( \frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6a}{a^{2}-4}=\frac{1}{a-2} \). Solve the equation by following steps: - step0: Solve for \(a\): \(\frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6a}{a^{2}-4}=\frac{1}{a-2}\) - step1: Find the domain: \(\frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6a}{a^{2}-4}=\frac{1}{a-2},a \in \left(-\infty,-2\right)\cup \left(-2,2\right)\cup \left(2,+\infty\right)\) - step2: Multiply both sides of the equation by LCD: \(\left(\frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6a}{a^{2}-4}\right)\left(a-2\right)\left(a+2\right)=\frac{1}{a-2}\times \left(a-2\right)\left(a+2\right)\) - step3: Simplify the equation: \(-3a-6=a+2\) - step4: Move the expression to the left side: \(-3a-a=2+6\) - step5: Add and subtract: \(-4a=2+6\) - step6: Add and subtract: \(-4a=8\) - step7: Change the signs: \(4a=-8\) - step8: Divide both sides: \(\frac{4a}{4}=\frac{-8}{4}\) - step9: Divide the numbers: \(a=-2\) - step10: Check if the solution is in the defined range: \(a=-2,a \in \left(-\infty,-2\right)\cup \left(-2,2\right)\cup \left(2,+\infty\right)\) - step11: Find the intersection: \(a \in \varnothing \) The solution to the equation \( \frac{3}{a+2}-\frac{6a}{a^{2}-4}=\frac{1}{a-2} \) is that there are no real solutions for \( a \). Therefore, the student is incorrect in stating that the solution is -2.

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Mind Expander

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.

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy