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 for determining their domain, as the values that make the denominator zero must be excluded from the domain. For example, in the expression (3x + 7) / ((4x + 2)(x - 1)), the denominator is a product of two polynomials.
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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 for accurately determining the domain.
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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 setting the denominator equal to zero and solving for x. In the given expression, (4x + 2)(x - 1) = 0 leads to restrictions that must be excluded from the domain, ensuring the expression remains valid.
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