# Math Help - Weird algebra

1. ## Weird algebra

(x+1)/(x-2)=3/(x-2)+5 - Wolfram|Alpha

Why on earth can't I just multiply by (t-2) and get the solution t=2 ?!

To make it absolutely clear that I should be able to just multiply by (t-2), I can rewrite this equation as:

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}=\frac{5t-7}{t-2}$

I am VERY confused..

I do realize that t can't be 2 because of the denominator becoming 0, but why does it give me the algebraic solution t=2 and then it doesn't work?

2. ## Re: Weird algebra

I'm finding out that this is due to a problem in algebra called "extraneous solutions".

Why does this problem arise? I'm having problems finding it... Is algebra flawed?

3. ## Re: Weird algebra

The reason that extraneous solutions sometimes occur is because if you were to raise both sides of the equation to a higher power such as cubed, you would increase the number of the solution. This new number night not satisfy the original equation.

4. ## Re: Weird algebra

Originally Posted by Paze
I do realize that t can't be 2 because of the denominator becoming 0, but why does it give me the algebraic solution t=2 and then it doesn't work?
Well it wouldn't give you the solution t=2 if you followed the rules of algebra and did not take $\frac{0}{0}=1$ (which is what you are doing when you cancel $\frac{t-2}{t-2}$ to 1.
Simply put this equation has no solution because it is wrong to begin with, you can see this more clearly if you rearrange it.

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}=\frac{5t-7}{t-2}$

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}-\frac{5t-7}{t-2}=0$

$\frac{1}{t-2}\times((t+1)-(5t-7))=0$

$\frac{1}{t-2}\times(-4t+8)=0$

$\frac{-4t+8}{t-2}=0$

$\frac{-4(t-2)}{t-2}=0$

$\frac{(t-2)}{t-2}=0$

Nothing divided by itself can equal 0 so you can see that the equation is false to begin with.

5. ## Re: Weird algebra

Originally Posted by Shakarri
Well it wouldn't give you the solution t=2 if you followed the rules of algebra and did not take $\frac{0}{0}=1$ (which is what you are doing when you cancel $\frac{t-2}{t-2}$ to 1.
Simply put this equation has no solution because it is wrong to begin with, you can see this more clearly if you rearrange it.

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}=\frac{5t-7}{t-2}$

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}-\frac{5t-7}{t-2}=0$

$\frac{1}{t-2}\times((t+1)-(5t-7))=0$

$\frac{1}{t-2}\times(-4t+8)=0$

$\frac{-4t+8}{t-2}=0$

$\frac{-4(t-2)}{t-2}=0$

$\frac{(t-2)}{t-2}=0$

Nothing divided by itself can equal 0 so you can see that the equation is false to begin with.
I realize what the problem is now. However, I did not break any rules of algebra as you claim. Thanks though.

6. ## Re: Weird algebra

Originally Posted by Paze
(x+1)/(x-2)=3/(x-2)+5 - Wolfram|Alpha

Why on earth can't I just multiply by (t-2) and get the solution t=2 ?!

To make it absolutely clear that I should be able to just multiply by (t-2), I can rewrite this equation as:

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}=\frac{5t-7}{t-2}$

I am VERY confused..

I do realize that t can't be 2 because of the denominator becoming 0, but why does it give me the algebraic solution t=2 and then it doesn't work?
You were going to break a rule of algebra when you planned to multiply by t-2. If you look at it in steps you'll see that

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}=\frac{5t-7}{t-2}$

Multiply both sides by t-2

$\frac{t+1}{t-2}\times(t-2)=\frac{5t-7}{t-2}\times(t-2)$

$\frac{t-2}{t-2}\times(t+1)=\frac{t-2}{t-2}\times(5t-7)$

$(t+1)=(5t-7)$
At this point you have made the mistake of turning (t-2)/(t-2) into 1

7. ## Re: Weird algebra

Originally Posted by Shakarri
At this point you have made the mistake of turning (t-2)/(t-2) into 1
I fail to see how dividing something by itself should not equal 1?

8. ## Re: Weird algebra

It is not true for all t. When t=2 it is not equal to 1. So when you are trying to find a solution to the equation when you make the step to turn (t-2)/(t-2) into 1 you must make a note that any conclusions you reach are under the assumption that t is not equal to 2. And when you continued to find a solution you reached the conclusion that t=2. As I said "any conclusions you reach are under the assumption that t is not equal to 2." so your conclusion that t=2 is under the assumption that t is not equal to 2.

9. ## Re: Weird algebra

Originally Posted by Shakarri
It is not true for all t. When t=2 it is not equal to 1. So when you are trying to find a solution to the equation when you make the step to turn (t-2)/(t-2) into 1 you must make a note that any conclusions you reach are under the assumption that t is not equal to 2. And when you continued to find a solution you reached the conclusion that t=2. As I said "any conclusions you reach are under the assumption that t is not equal to 2." so your conclusion that t=2 is under the assumption that t is not equal to 2.
That is correct, but I don't feel like I am breaking any "rules of algebra". I feel that the rules of algebra are leading me to a false conclusion due to the ALGEBRA expecting a higher degree equation...Is that crazy?