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Ch. 1 - Equations and Inequalities
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 105

In Exercises 101–106, solve each equation.x(x+1)342(x+1)2=0 x(x + 1)^3 - 42(x + 1)^2 = 0

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1
Start by observing the given equation: \(x(x + 1)^3 - 42(x + 1)^2 = 0\). Notice that both terms contain a common factor involving \((x + 1)^2\).
Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF), which is \((x + 1)^2\), from the entire equation: \( (x + 1)^2 \left[ x(x + 1) - 42 \right] = 0 \).
Simplify the expression inside the brackets: \(x(x + 1) - 42 = x^2 + x - 42\).
Set each factor equal to zero to find the solutions: 1) \((x + 1)^2 = 0\) 2) \(x^2 + x - 42 = 0\).
Solve each equation separately: - For \((x + 1)^2 = 0\), solve for \(x\). - For \(x^2 + x - 42 = 0\), use the quadratic formula or factoring to find the values of \(x\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Factoring Polynomial Expressions

Factoring involves rewriting a polynomial as a product of simpler polynomials or expressions. It is essential for solving equations by setting each factor equal to zero. Recognizing common factors, such as powers of (x + 1), helps simplify the equation and find solutions efficiently.
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