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JAMB Mathematics 1981 Question 20

Question 20

Quadratic Equations

Solve 1/(x + 1) − 1/(x + 3) = 1/4

  1. A.x = −1 or 3
  2. B.x = 1 or 3
  3. C.x = 1 or −5
  4. D.x = −1 or 5
  5. E.x = −1 or −3.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (x = 1 or −5)

Explanation

The left side is 2/((x + 1)(x + 3)). Setting it equal to ¼ gives x² + 4x + 3 = 8, so x² + 4x − 5 = 0 and x = 1 or −5.