Problem

Solve for n (n^2-n-6)/(n^2)-(2n+12)/n=(n-6)/(2n)

The problem you're given is an algebraic equation involving fractions with polynomials. Your task is to solve for the variable 'n'. The equation equates the left-hand side which has two fractions—(n^2-n-6)/(n^2) and (2n+12)/n—with the right-hand side which has one fraction—(n-6)/(2n). The problem requires you to manipulate the equation by finding a common denominator, combining like terms, and simplifying the fractions in order to isolate the variable 'n' on one side of the equation and solve for its value(s).

n2n6n22n+12n=n62n

Answer

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Solution:

Step:1

Break down each term into its factors.

Step:1.1

Employ the AC method to factor n2n6.

Step:1.1.1

Identify two integers whose product equals c and sum equals b for the quadratic form ax2+bx+c. Here, find integers for product 6 and sum 1. They are 3 and 2.

Step:1.1.2

Express the factored form using these integers: (n3)(n+2)n22n+12n=n62n.

Step:1.2

Extract the common factor of 2 from 2n+12.

Step:1.2.1

Factor out 2 from 2n: (n3)(n+2)n22(n+6)n=n62n.

Step:1.2.2

Factor out 2 from 12: (n3)(n+2)n22(n+6)n=n62n.

Step:1.2.3

The factored form is now: (n3)(n+2)n22(n+6)n=n62n.

Step:2

Identify the least common denominator (LCD) of all terms.

Step:2.1

The LCD is equivalent to the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators: n2,n,2n.

Step:2.2

To find the LCM of n2,n,2n, consider both the numerical and variable parts. For numbers, find the LCM of 1,1,2. For variables, consider n2,n,n.

Step:2.3

The LCM is the smallest number divisible by all. List prime factors and multiply each factor by the highest power it occurs.

Step:2.4

The number 1 is not prime.

Step:2.5

The number 2 is prime.

Step:2.6

The LCM of 1,1,2 is 2.

Step:2.7

For n2, the factors are nn.

Step:2.8

For n, the factor is n itself.

Step:2.9

The LCM of n2,n,n is nn.

Step:2.10

Multiply n by n: n2.

Step:2.11

The LCM for n2,n,2n is 2n2.

Step:3

Clear the fractions by multiplying each term by 2n2.

Step:3.1

Multiply the entire equation by 2n2.

Step:3.2

Simplify the left side.

Step:3.2.1

Simplify each term.

Step:3.2.1.1

Use the commutative property: 2(n3)(n+2)2(n+6)(2n)=(n6)(2n2).

Step:3.2.1.2

Combine the terms: 2(n3)(n+2)2(n+6)(2n)=(n6)(2n2).

Step:3.2.1.3

Cancel n2: 2(n3)(n+2)2(n+6)(2n)=(n6)(2n2).

Step:3.2.1.4

Expand using FOIL: 2(nn+n23n6)2(n+6)(2n)=(n6)(2n2).

Step:3.2.1.5

Combine like terms: 2n22n122(n+6)(2n)=(n6)(2n2).

Step:3.3

Simplify the right side.

Step:3.3.1

Use commutative property: 2n226n12=(n6)n2.

Step:3.3.2

Cancel the common factor of 2: 2n226n12=(n6)n.

Step:3.3.3

Cancel the common factor of n: 2n226n12=(n6)n.

Step:3.3.4

Apply distributive property: 2n226n12=n26n.

Step:4

Resolve the equation.

Step:4.1

Move all n terms to one side: 3n220n12=0.

Step:4.2

Factor the quadratic equation.

Step:4.2.1

Factor out 1: (3n2+20n+12)=0.

Step:4.2.2

Factor by grouping: (3n+2)(n+6)=0.

Step:4.3

Set each factor equal to zero: 3n+2=0 and n+6=0.

Step:4.4

Solve for n: n=23 and n=6.

Step:5

Express the solution in various forms.

Exact Form: n=23,6 Decimal Form: n=0.666,6

Knowledge Notes:

  1. Factoring Quadratics: The process of breaking down a quadratic expression into a product of two binomials.

  2. AC Method: A technique used to factor quadratics where the product of the leading coefficient and the constant term (AC) is considered to find a pair of numbers that sum up to the middle coefficient (B).

  3. Least Common Denominator (LCD): The smallest common multiple of the denominators of a set of fractions.

  4. Least Common Multiple (LCM): The smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

  5. Distributive Property: A property that allows one to multiply a sum by multiplying each addend separately and then sum the products.

  6. FOIL Method: A technique for multiplying two binomials which stands for First, Outer, Inner, Last, referring to the terms being multiplied.

  7. Factoring by Grouping: A method of factoring that involves grouping terms with common factors and factoring them separately.

  8. Solving Quadratic Equations: The process of finding the values of the variable that satisfy the equation. This can be done by factoring, completing the square, or using the quadratic formula.

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