Chapter 1: Problem 88
Find all real solutions of the equation. $$\frac{1}{x-1}-\frac{2}{x^{2}}=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
There are no real solutions.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the equation
The given equation is \( \frac{1}{x-1} - \frac{2}{x^2} = 0 \). To solve it, our goal is to find the values of \( x \) that make the equation true (i.e., the expressions on either side of the equation are equal).
02
Set up a common denominator
To simplify the equation, find a common denominator. The common denominator for \( \frac{1}{x-1} \) and \( \frac{2}{x^2} \) is \( x^2(x-1) \).
03
Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator
Express each term with the common denominator:\[\frac{1}{x-1} = \frac{x^2}{x^2(x-1)}, \quad \frac{2}{x^2} = \frac{2(x-1)}{x^2(x-1)}\]
04
Combine the fractions
Combine the fractions over the common denominator:\[\frac{x^2}{x^2(x-1)} - \frac{2(x-1)}{x^2(x-1)} = \frac{x^2 - 2(x-1)}{x^2(x-1)}\]
05
Simplify the numerator
Simplify the numerator by expanding and combining like terms:\[x^2 - 2(x-1) = x^2 - 2x + 2\]
06
Solve the equation
Set the simplified numerator equal to zero to solve for \( x \):\[x^2 - 2x + 2 = 0\]This is a quadratic equation. Use the quadratic formula \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\), where \( a=1, b=-2, c=2 \).
07
Calculate the discriminant
Compute the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac = (-2)^2 - 4(1)(2) = 4 - 8 = -4 \). The negative discriminant indicates there are no real solutions.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations are a type of polynomial equation that can be written in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). These equations are characterized by the presence of the variable squared, or \( x^2 \). The main goal in solving a quadratic equation is to find the values of \( x \) (also known as roots or solutions) that satisfy the equation.
- They can be solved using methods like factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.
- The quadratic formula, \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \), provides an efficient way to find the solutions without needing to manipulate the original equation too much.
- Understanding the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \) is crucial, as it indicates the nature of the equation's solutions.
Fraction Simplification
Fraction simplification involves reducing a rational expression to its simplest form by finding a common denominator and combining like terms.
- The common denominator is crucial when adding or subtracting fractions because it allows them to be combined into a single fraction. In this problem, the common denominator for \( \frac{1}{x-1} \) and \( \frac{2}{x^2} \) is \( x^2(x-1) \).
- Once a common denominator is identified, each fraction must be rewritten so that they all share this denominator. This involves adjusting both the numerators and denominators accordingly.
- Combining fractions over the common denominator then facilitates further simplification and solving for the variable \( x \).
No Real Solutions
Some quadratic equations do not have roots that are real numbers. This occurs when the discriminant, \( b^2 - 4ac \), is negative.
- The discriminant shows whether the roots are real or complex, with a negative value indicating the absence of real solutions.
- For the equation \( x^2 - 2x + 2 = 0 \) we computed the discriminant to be \(-4\), which confirms there are no real roots.
- Equations with negative discriminants result in complex numbers, and hence solutions go beyond the real number line.