Rational Expressions & Equations Unit Test

13 of 2013 of 20 Items
Question
Subtract the rational expressions x2+4x−21x2−2x−3−4x+1, and then simplify the difference.(1 point)
Responses

x2−25(x−3)(x+1)
Start Fraction x squared minus 25 over left parenthesis x minus 3 right parenthesis left parenthesis x plus 1 right parenthesis End Fraction

x2−33(x−3)(x+1)
Start Fraction x squared minus 33 over left parenthesis x minus 3 right parenthesis left parenthesis x plus 1 right parenthesis End Fraction

x2−9(x−3)(x+1)
Start Fraction x squared minus 9 over left parenthesis x minus 3 right parenthesis left parenthesis x plus 1 right parenthesis End Fraction

x+3x+1

1 answer

To subtract the given rational expressions \( \frac{x^2 + 4x - 21}{x^2 - 2x - 3} - 4x + 1 \), we first need to simplify both parts.

  1. Factor the expression:
    • Numerator: \( x^2 + 4x - 21 \)

      • This can be factored as \( (x + 7)(x - 3) \).
    • Denominator: \( x^2 - 2x - 3 \)

      • This factors to \( (x - 3)(x + 1) \).

So, we have: \[ \frac{(x + 7)(x - 3)}{(x - 3)(x + 1)} - (4x + 1) \]

  1. Simplifying the expression:

    • The fraction can be simplified partially: \[ \frac{x + 7}{x + 1} - (4x + 1) \]
    • The next step is to have a common denominator. The common denominator between \( \frac{x + 7}{x + 1} \) and \( 4x + 1 \) is: \[ (x + 1) \]
  2. Rewrite the second term over the common denominator:

    • \( 4x + 1 \) can be expressed as: \[ \frac{(4x + 1)(x + 1)}{(x + 1)} = \frac{4x^2 + 4x + x + 1}{(x + 1)} = \frac{4x^2 + 5x + 1}{(x + 1)} \]
  3. Now combine the two fractions:

    • We have: \[ \frac{(x + 7) - (4x^2 + 5x + 1)}{(x + 1)} \]
    • Simplifying the numerator: \[ x + 7 - 4x^2 - 5x - 1 = -4x^2 - 4x + 6 \]
    • Which can be factored to: \[ -4(x^2 + x - 1) \]
  4. Putting it all together, we have: \[ \frac{-4(x^2 + x - 1)}{(x + 1)(x - 3)} \]

  5. Setting this into the form needed for answer choices, we see:

    • Perform further simplification of the numerator if possible or compare to choices given.

To compare this expression with the choices given:

  • None of the exact forms seem to match; however, we should make sure that we have:
  1. If simplified correctly it should yield one of the expected forms.

Thus, considering the achievable options, if we proceed to validate specific forms: We should check if: \[ x^2 - 25 = 0 \implies -25 \text{ implies no reach for the standard } \] Hence providing no similar match remains intact.

Finally, consider if the original subtraction matches one choice:

After further factoring or organizing if none meet but more evaluative checks are needed.

The answer might imply a direct rational reduction and hence choices should be reviewed eminently. Upon full evaluation direct crossover equivalent must be validated among options routes.

However: \[ \text{Final numerical assessment shows } => \frac{-4(x^2 + x - 1)}{(x + 1)(x - 3)} \]

Since no particular match was met but approximates nearby yet not overlap choices manifest. For final ascertain check original must revert through until clean.