Question

Part 1: Simplify f(x) = the quantity 3 x-squared minus 4x plus 1 all over 3x minus 1.

Part 2: Using complete sentences, explain why f(1) = 0, f(0) = -1, and f(-1) = -2, yet f(one-third) is undefined.

Answer 1

hi hayley...
factor the numerator: \(\large 3x^2-4x+1=(x-1)(3x-1) \)

Answer 2

@Palnc howw do I do that?

Answer 3

getting used to factoring is basically a "the more you do, the better you get at it..." kind of thing....:

i know that in the binomial, the one of the leading terms has to be a 3 since 3 is prime....
that trailing term (constant coefficient) can only be obtained by either -1 * -1 OR +1 * +1... then i "guess and check" from this info.... sorry, i know what i just said is vague....