Question

How do you solve the rational equation `x /( x + 2) = (x - 3)/( x + 1)`?

Answer 1

`x = -3`

Explanation:

Cross multiply.
`x^2 + x = x^2 -x -6`

Simplify
`x = -x - 6`
`2x = -6`
`x = -3`

Check:
`(-3)/(-3+2)` = `(-3 -3)/(-3 +1)`

`(-3)/-1 = (-6)/-2`

`3 = 3`