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Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 13th EditionCh. 1 - Equations and InequalitiesProblem 20
Chapter 2, Problem 20

Solve each equation. x/(x-4) = 4/(x-4) + 4

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Identify the given equation: \(\frac{x}{x-4} = \frac{4}{x-4} + 4\).
Notice that the denominators on the left and right side are the same, \(x-4\), so to eliminate the fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by \(x-4\) (noting that \(x \neq 4\) to avoid division by zero).
After multiplying both sides by \(x-4\), simplify the equation by canceling the denominators: this gives \(x = 4 + 4(x-4)\).
Distribute the 4 on the right side: \(x = 4 + 4x - 16\).
Combine like terms and isolate \(x\) on one side to solve for \(x\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Solving Rational Equations

Rational equations involve expressions with variables in the denominator. To solve them, identify values that make denominators zero (excluded values) and multiply both sides by the least common denominator to eliminate fractions, simplifying the equation.
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Introduction to Rational Equations

Domain Restrictions

Domain restrictions are values that make any denominator zero, which are not allowed in the solution set. Before solving, determine these values to avoid extraneous solutions that arise from invalid substitutions.
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Domain Restrictions of Composed Functions

Checking Solutions

After solving the equation, substitute solutions back into the original equation to verify they do not produce undefined expressions. This step ensures that extraneous solutions introduced during the solving process are excluded.
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Restrictions on Rational Equations
Related Practice
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Textbook Question

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Textbook Question

Identify each number as real, complex, pure imaginary, or nonreal com-plex. (More than one of these descriptions will apply.) √-36