PS - X in Fractions

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PS - X in Fractions

by adkhanz » Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:28 pm
If 1/(x - 2) = 1/(x + 2) + 1/(x - 1), which of the following is a possible value of x?

(A) -2
(B) -1
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) 2

Working the problem, I got the solution 0 and 2. But since 2 would make the denominator 0, is that why 0 would be the answer and hence choice C. Did someone get another answer/explanation other than C?
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by adkhanz » Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:32 pm
Re-posting initial question due to character display error.

If 1/(x - 2) = 1/(x + 2) + 1/(x - 1), which of the following is a possible value of x?

(A) -2
(B) -1
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) 2

Working the problem, I got the solution 0 and 2. But since 2 would make the denominator 0, is that why 0 would be the answer and hence choice C. Did someone get another answer/explanation other than C?

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by papgust » Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:46 pm
For these types of questions, plugging in numbers is the best way.

If you plug in 0, the solution will be 0. So, this is the possible value of x.