Solve for x in the equation with fractions.

Published on October 24, 2024

Algebra

The solution for x in the equation involving fractions with (x-1) and (x+1) in the denominator is x = √2 and x = -√2.

Question

Answer

Let’s solve for x step-by-step:
  1. Find a common denominator on the left side:
    The common denominator for (x-1) and (x+1) is (x-1)(x+1). So we get:
  2. Simplify the left side:
    Expanding the numerator:
    Combining like terms:
  3. Notice that (x^2 - 1) factors:
    The denominator on both sides can be factored:
  4. Since the denominators are the same, we can equate the numerators:
  5. Solve for x:
    Subtract 2 from both sides:
    Divide both sides by 2:
    Take the square root of both sides:
Therefore, the solutions are x = √2 and x = -√2.