(x^2-1)/(x-1)
(x-1)(x+1)/(x-1)
x+1
now subtract one :)
NOTE: we could not use x = 1 because that would give (x-1) = 0 in the denominator, undefined
•Post a response to the following: Take any number (except for 1). Square that number and then subtract one. Divide by one less than your original number. Now subtract your original number.
Did you reached 1 for an answer? You should have. How does this number game work? (Hint:Redo the number game using a variable instead of an actual number and rewrite the problem as one rational expression). How did the number game use the skill of simplifying rational expressions? Create your own number game using the rules of algebra and post it for your
classmates to solve. Be sure to think about values that may not work. State whether your number
game uses the skill of simplifying rational expressions.
2 answers
Yes, I did reach the number 1 by following the example given. To see how this game works basically I needed to translate it into an algebraic expression (x^2-1)/(x-1)-x the expression needed to be simplified, factored using the difference of squares, I then cancel like terms, simplify, group like terms, and then combine those like terms.