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Advanced Math / Nonlinear functions Difficulty: Easy

If f of x equals, the fraction with numerator x squared minus 6 x plus 3, and denominator x minus 1, end fraction, what is f of negative 1 ?

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Explanation

Choice A is correct. Substituting –1 for x in the equation that defines f gives f of negative 1 equals, the fraction with numerator, open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis, squared, minus 6, times, open parenthesis, negative 1, close parenthesis, plus 3, and denominator negative 1 minus 1, end fraction. Simplifying the expressions in the numerator and denominator yields the fraction with numerator 1 plus 6, plus 3, and denominator negative 2, which is equal to 10 over negative 2 or –5.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect and may result from misapplying the order of operations when substituting –1 for x.