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 rational expressions is crucial because their behavior, particularly regarding domain, is influenced by the values that make the denominator zero. In this case, the expression x² - 1 / (x + 1) must be analyzed to determine where the denominator does not equal zero.
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Domain of a Function
The domain of a function refers to the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. For rational expressions, the domain is restricted by the values that make the denominator zero, as division by zero is undefined. Therefore, identifying these values is essential to accurately determine the domain of the given expression.
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Finding Restrictions
To find the domain of a rational expression, one must identify the values of x that cause the denominator to equal zero. This involves solving the equation formed by the denominator. In the example provided, setting x + 1 = 0 reveals that x = -1 is a restriction, thus excluding it from the domain of the expression.
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