Determine if the simplification described below is correct:
x+3x+3=0
To determine if the simplification x+3x+3=0 is correct, we'll consider the mathematical properties of division:
- Step 1: Recognize that for any non-zero number a, aa=1. This is a fundamental rule of arithmetic for non-zero values.
- Step 2: Apply this property to the given expression. Here, x+3 is considered as a, leading to x+3x+3=1, assuming x+3 is not zero.
- Step 3: Evaluate the condition when x=−3. If x=−3, then x+3=0, making the expression 00, which is undefined in mathematics.
- Step 4: The result 0 is incorrect because the expression simplifies to 1 for values where x+3=0.
Conclusively, the statement x+3x+3=0 is mathematically incorrect as it defies basic division laws unless in the undefined case.
Therefore, the simplification is incorrect.