When asked to solve the rational equation 11/2x^2+x-15=5/2x-5-x/x+3
a student multiplied both sides of the equation by the expression (2x2+x−15)(2x−5)(x+3).
Was this the best thing for the student to do? If not, what should the student have done?
no, since 2x^2+x-15 = (2x-5)(x+3)
Just multiply both sides by (2x-5)(x+3)
The thing to watch out for is to be sure to note that 5/2 and -3 must be excluded from the domain.