Guide 4, 3rd edition, page 52 (answer key)

[alexambroz]

In the part of the answer that states "First, divide through by the common denominator t(t-3):" it seems like it should read "First, divide through by 36:"

It's directly below this formula: 72/(t-3) + 72/t = 36.

Am I missing something there? Thanks.

-A

[esledge]

There's definitely good reason to divide by 36, as it is a factor of each term of the equation!

I don't have the book in front of me, but is it possible two steps were done at once?

For example:

72/(t-3) + 72/t = 36

[72t + 72(t-3)]/[t(t-3)] = 36 {skipped step}

2t + 2(t-3) = t(t-3)

4t - 6 = t^2 - 3t

0 = t^2 - 7t + 6

0 = (t-6)(t-1)