Question

lesson 25 review - solving rational equations
③ \\(\frac{x}{x - 2} - \frac{2}{x + 4} = \frac{12}{x^2 + 2x - 8}\\)
lcd = \\((x + 4)(x - 2)\\)
① factor denominators
② find lcd
③ multiply to create lcd
④ solve using numerator
⑤ check for extraneous solutions
\\(\frac{x}{(x - 2)} - \frac{2}{(x + 4)} = \frac{12}{(x + 4)(x - 2)}
\frac{x}{(x - 2)}(x + 4) - \frac{2}{(x + 4)}(x - 2) = \frac{12}{(x + 4)(x - 2)}
\\(x(x + 4) - 2(x - 2) = 12\\)
\\(x^2 + 4x - 2x + 4 = 12\\)
\\(x^2 + 2x - 8 = 0\\)
\\((x + 4)(x - 2) = 0\\)
\\(x + 4 = 0\\) or \\(x - 2 = 0\\)
\\(x = -4\\) or \\(x = 2\\)
check \\(x = -4\\)
\\(x \
eq -4\\)
check \\(x = 2\\)
multiple - choice question
what does \\(\
eq\\) mean?
\\(\square\\) can or cannot be equal to.
\\(\square\\) cannot be equal to
rewatch

Explanation:

The symbol $
eq$ is a mathematical symbol meaning "not equal to". So it indicates that a value cannot be equal to another specified value. Among the options, "cannot be equal to" is the correct interpretation.

Answer:

The option "cannot be equal to" (the second option in the multiple - choice question).