+0  
 
+1
965
3
avatar+586 

 For what real values of a is the expression (a+3)/(a^2-4) undefined? List your answers in increasing order separated by commas.

 Aug 25, 2018
 #1
avatar+4622 
+3

We can factor the denominator first: (a+2)(a-2), and leave the numerator as it is: a+3. Now, think about what undefined means, and see what value of x can fit in.

 Aug 25, 2018
 #2
avatar+118687 
+4

Thanks Tertre,   

 

More of a hint: you cannot divide by 0, that is impossible. So if the bottom is 0 the answer would be undefined.

 Aug 25, 2018
 #3
avatar+129899 
+2

As tertre and Melody said, this will be undefined whenever the denominator   = 0

 

And the denominator factors as ( x + 2) ( x - 2)

 

So   either

 

x +  2   =  0  ⇒  x  = -2

 

or

 

x  - 2   = 0 ⇒   x  =  2

 

So   [ -2,  2  ]  make the expression undefined

 

 

cool cool cool

 Aug 25, 2018

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