For all , the expression is equivalent to a constant . What is the value of ?
Answer: 3
Answer
The correct answer is 3.
To find the constant value of the expression, both rational expressions are first simplified. The quadratic in the numerator of the first fraction, , can be factored as . Canceling the common factor of in the numerator and denominator simplifies the first term to . The second fraction, , can be simplified by dividing each term in the numerator by , which results in . Subtracting the second simplified expression from the first gives . Thus, the constant value of the expression is .
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Simplifying rational expressions by factoring and performing polynomial subtraction.