Verify the Equation: Is (x+3)/(x+3) = 0 Correct?

Question

Determine if the simplification described below is correct:

x+3x+3=0 \frac{x+3}{x+3}=0

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine if the simplification x+3x+3=0 \frac{x+3}{x+3} = 0 is correct, we'll consider the mathematical properties of division:

  • Step 1: Recognize that for any non-zero number a a , aa=1 \frac{a}{a} = 1 . This is a fundamental rule of arithmetic for non-zero values.
  • Step 2: Apply this property to the given expression. Here, x+3 x+3 is considered as a a , leading to x+3x+3=1 \frac{x+3}{x+3} = 1 , assuming x+3 x+3 is not zero.
  • Step 3: Evaluate the condition when x=3 x = -3 . If x=3 x = -3 , then x+3=0 x+3 = 0 , making the expression 00 \frac{0}{0} , which is undefined in mathematics.
  • Step 4: The result 0 0 is incorrect because the expression simplifies to 1 1 for values where x+30 x+3 \neq 0 .

Conclusively, the statement x+3x+3=0 \frac{x+3}{x+3} = 0 is mathematically incorrect as it defies basic division laws unless in the undefined case.

Therefore, the simplification is incorrect.

Answer

Incorrect