Solve the Fraction Equation: Find x in (x²-9)/(x-3) = 0

Question

Resolve:

x29x3=0 \frac{x^2-9}{x-3}=0

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Factor the numerator using the difference of squares formula.
  • Step 2: Set the factored numerator equal to zero to find potential solutions for x x .
  • Step 3: Ensure none of these solutions result in the denominator being zero.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The numerator x29 x^2 - 9 can be factored as (x3)(x+3) (x - 3)(x + 3) .
Step 2: Set the factored numerator to zero: (x3)(x+3)=0 (x - 3)(x + 3) = 0 .
This gives two potential solutions: x3=0 x - 3 = 0 or x+3=0 x + 3 = 0 . Solving these equations, we get x=3 x = 3 or x=3 x = -3 .
Step 3: Verify that these solutions do not result in division by zero:
- For x=3 x = 3 , the denominator x3=0 x - 3 = 0 , which means division by zero occurs, so it is not a valid solution.
- For x=3 x = -3 , the denominator x3 x - 3 is not zero, as (33)=6(-3 - 3) = -6, hence x=3 x = -3 is a valid solution.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=3 x = -3 .

Answer

3-