Find the domain of each rational expression. See Example 1. (3x + 7) / (4x + 2) (x - 1)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the rational expression given: \(\frac{3x + 7}{(4x + 2)(x - 1)}\).
2. Recall that the domain of a rational expression excludes values of \(x\) that make the denominator equal to zero, because division by zero is undefined.
3. Set each factor in the denominator equal to zero to find the excluded values: solve \(4x + 2 = 0\) and \(x - 1 = 0\) separately.
4. Solve \(4x + 2 = 0\) by isolating \(x\): \(4x = -2\) then \(x = -\frac{1}{2}\); solve \(x - 1 = 0\) to get \(x = 1\).
5. Conclude that the domain is all real numbers except \(x = -\frac{1}{2}\) and \(x = 1\), since these values make the denominator zero.

Key Concepts

Domain of a Rational Expression

The domain of a rational expression includes all real numbers except those that make the denominator zero. Since division by zero is undefined, identifying values that cause the denominator to be zero is essential to determine the domain.

Factoring and Setting Denominator Equal to Zero

To find values excluded from the domain, factor the denominator if possible and set each factor equal to zero. Solving these equations reveals the values that make the denominator zero, which must be excluded from the domain.

Simplifying Rational Expressions

Simplifying the rational expression by canceling common factors can help in understanding the expression better, but it does not change the domain. The original restrictions from the denominator remain, regardless of simplification.