Math  /  Algebra

QuestionSolve each equation. Remember to check for extraneous solutions.
11) a66a2=16a2+a+53a2\frac{a-6}{6a^2} = \frac{1}{6a^2} + \frac{a+5}{3a^2}

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to find the value(s) of aa that make this equation true, and make sure those values don't cause any problems, like dividing by zero! Watch out! Be super careful when dealing with variables in the denominator; some values might make the denominator zero, which is a big no-no!

STEP 2

1. Find Common Denominator
2. Combine Fractions
3. Solve for *a*
4. Check for Extraneous Solutions

STEP 3

Alright, let's **get this party started**!
We've got fractions with different denominators, so our first mission is to find a **common denominator**.
Looking at 6a26a^2, 6a26a^2, and 3a23a^2, we see that 6a26a^2 will work perfectly!

STEP 4

We want to rewrite a+53a2\frac{a+5}{3a^2} with a denominator of 6a26a^2.
Since 6a2=23a26a^2 = 2 \cdot 3a^2, we just need to multiply the numerator and denominator by **2**: a+53a222=2(a+5)6a2=2a+106a2 \frac{a+5}{3a^2} \cdot \frac{2}{2} = \frac{2(a+5)}{6a^2} = \frac{2a+10}{6a^2} Now our equation looks like this: a66a2=16a2+2a+106a2 \frac{a-6}{6a^2} = \frac{1}{6a^2} + \frac{2a+10}{6a^2} Much better!

STEP 5

Now that we have a **common denominator**, we can **combine** those fractions on the right side: a66a2=1+2a+106a2 \frac{a-6}{6a^2} = \frac{1 + 2a + 10}{6a^2} a66a2=2a+116a2 \frac{a-6}{6a^2} = \frac{2a + 11}{6a^2}

STEP 6

Since the denominators are the same, we can set the numerators equal to each other.
Think of it like this: if two fractions are equal and their denominators are the same, then their numerators *must* also be equal! a6=2a+11 a - 6 = 2a + 11

STEP 7

Time to **isolate** aa!
Let's subtract aa from both sides: a6a=2a+11a a - 6 - a = 2a + 11 - a 6=a+11 -6 = a + 11

STEP 8

Now, subtract 11 from both sides: 611=a+1111 -6 - 11 = a + 11 - 11 17=a -17 = a So, a=17a = \mathbf{-17}!

STEP 9

Remember those **pesky extraneous solutions**?
We need to make sure our solution doesn't make the denominator zero.
If a=17a = -17, then 6a2=6(17)2=6(289)=17346a^2 = 6(-17)^2 = 6(289) = 1734, and 3a2=3(17)2=3(289)=8673a^2 = 3(-17)^2 = 3(289) = 867.
Since neither of these is zero, a=17a = -17 is a **valid solution**!

STEP 10

a=17a = -17

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