Question

Solve for x. 3/x-1 - 1/x^-1=5/x-1 Please show all work

Answer 1

3/(x-1) - 1/(x^2-1) = 5/(x-1)

Subtract 3/(x-1) from both sides

-1/(x^2-1) = 2/(x-1)

Factor x^2 - 1

-1/[(x-1)(x+1] = 2/(x-1)

Multiply by (x-1)(x+1) on both sides

-1 = 2 (x+1)

-1 = 2x + 2

Subtract 2 from both sides

-3 = 2x

Divide by 2 on both sides

-3/2 = x

Answer 2

Answer:

x = -3/2

Step-by-step explanation:

$\frac{3(x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)} - \frac{1}{(x-1)(x+1)} = \frac{5(x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)}$  Find the common denominator

3(x+1) - 1 = 5(x+1)   Distribute

3x + 3 -1 = 5x +5    Combine Like terms

3x + 2 = 5x + 5      Solve for x

  2 = 2x +5

  -3 = 2x

  x = -3/2