1988 AHSME Problems/Problem 19
Problem
Simplify
Solution 1
We can multiply each answer choice by and then compare with the numerator. This gives .
Solution 2
Expanding everything in the brackets, we get . We can then group numbers up in pairs so they equal :
We get .
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Solution 3
If you were out of time and your algebra isn't that good, you could just plug in some values for the variables and see which answer choice works.
Solution 4 (fastest)
After regrouping, the numerator becomes . Factoring further, we get . After dividing, we get , which can be factored as , so the answer is .
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See also
1988 AHSME (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 18 |
Followed by Problem 20 | |
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