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JAMB Mathematics 1989 Question 26

Question 26

Algebraic Expressions

Express
1/(x + 1) − 1/(x − 2)
as a single algebraic fraction

  1. A.−3/((x + 1)(2 − x))
  2. B.3/((x + 1)(2 − x))
  3. C.−1/((x + 1)(x − 2))
  4. D.1/((x + 1)(x − 2))
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (3/((x + 1)(2 − x)))

Explanation

The result is ((x − 2) − (x + 1))/((x + 1)(x − 2)) = −3/((x + 1)(x − 2)). Changing the sign of the factor (x − 2) gives 3/((x + 1)(2 − x)).