Thread: Polynomials

For the following rational expressions, perform the indicated operation and simplify the result:

a) y³-1 y-1
__________ ______
y² + y - 6 divided by 3+y




b) are there any restrictions on the variable y?


Hey guys i need help on how to do this, i have no idea where to start

Originally Posted by Cockchestner007

For the following rational expressions, perform the indicated operation and simplify the result:

a) y³-1 y-1
__________ ______
y² + y - 6 divided by 3+y




b) are there any restrictions on the variable y?


Hey guys i need help on how to do this, i have no idea where to start

its y-1 / 3+y

Originally Posted by Cockchestner007

For the following rational expressions, perform the indicated operation and simplify the result:

a) y³-1 y-1
__________ ______
y² + y - 6 divided by 3+y


b) are there any restrictions on the variable y?

Hey guys i need help on how to do this, i have no idea where to start

Hi Cockchestner007,

I'm having a wee bit of trouble untangling what you have.
Is it this?



If not, you might want to use grouping symbols to show exactly what you have.

yes!! thats exactly what i have

Hi Cockchestner007,




Invert the divisor and multiply.





The "restrictions of the variable" means "what would y have to be to make the denominator of either fraction zero?"

Those restrictions would be: y cannot be -3, 2, or 1
Simplifying we arrive at:



The only restriction after simplification is y cannot be 2.
If we were talking about rational functions, this would be a vertical asymptote.

The other two restrictions would be points of discontinuity on the graph.

But, this may be too much information since these are only expressions.