Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Expressions
A rational expression is a fraction where both the numerator and the denominator are polynomials. Understanding how to manipulate and simplify these expressions is crucial for solving equations involving them. In this case, the expression (4x - b)/(x - 5) must be analyzed to determine conditions under which it can equal 3.
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Solution Set
The solution set of an equation is the set of all values that satisfy the equation. In this context, the notation {Ø} indicates that there are no solutions. This implies that the equation must be set up in such a way that it leads to a contradiction, which is essential for determining the value of b.
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Equating to a Constant
When a rational expression is set equal to a constant, such as 3 in this case, it can lead to specific conditions for the variable. To find b such that the solution set is empty, we need to ensure that the expression cannot equal 3 for any value of x, which typically involves analyzing the behavior of the expression as x approaches certain values.
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