Solve for x in the equation x^2 + 3x + 7 = 6 / (x^2 + 3x + 2)

Published on October 31, 2024

Algebra

The equation x^2 + 3x + 7 = 6/(x^2 + 3x + 2) is solved by substituting u = x^2 + 3x, resulting in a quadratic equation in u. Factoring the quadratic equation yields two possible values for u, which are then substituted back into the substitution to find the solutions for x using the quadratic formula. One case results in two real solutions, while the other yields no real solutions.

Question

Answer

Here’s how to solve the equation :
  1. Substitution: Let . The equation becomes .
  2. Clear the fraction: Multiply both sides by to get .
  3. Expand and simplify: Expand the left side to get . Subtract 6 from both sides to get .
  4. Factor the quadratic: The quadratic factors as .
  5. Solve for u: This gives two possible solutions for : or .
  6. Substitute back for x:
    • Case 1: u = -1


      Using the quadratic formula:
    • Case 2: u = -8


      Using the quadratic formula:
      Since the discriminant is negative, there are no real solutions in this case.
Therefore, the solutions for are and .
Final Answer: The final answer is