We need to find a common denominator for all fractions on both sides. The common denominator of (x-1), (x+1), (x+2), and (x-2) is (x+1)(x-1)(x+2)(x-2) = (x^2-1)(x^2-4) = (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)
Now, multiplying each fraction by the necessary factors to get the common denominator, we get:
To solve the given equation:
(x-3)/(x-1) + (x+3)/(x+1) = (x+6)/(x+2) + (x-6)/(x-2)
We need to find a common denominator for all fractions on both sides. The common denominator of (x-1), (x+1), (x+2), and (x-2) is (x+1)(x-1)(x+2)(x-2) = (x^2-1)(x^2-4) = (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)
Now, multiplying each fraction by the necessary factors to get the common denominator, we get:
[(x-3)(x+1)(x+2)(x-2) + (x+3)(x-1)(x+2)(x-2)] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4) = [(x+6)(x-1)(x+1)(x-2) + (x-6)(x-1)(x+1)(x+2)] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)
Simplify both sides of the equation:
[(x^2 - 2)(x^2 - 4) + (x^2 + 4)(x^2 - 1)] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4) = [(x^2 + 4)(x^2 - 1) + (x^2 - 4)(x^2 - 1)] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)
Expand and simplify:
[(x^4 -6x^2 + 8) + (x^4 + 3x^2 - 4)] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4) = [(x^4 + 3x^2 - 4) + (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)
Combine like terms:
[2x^4 - 3x^2 + 4] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4) = [2x^4 - 2x^2] / (x^4 - 5x^2 + 4)
Now we deduce that for the equation to be valid, the two sides must be equal:
Therefore,
2x^4 - 3x^2 + 4 = 2x^4 - 2x^2
Subtract 2x^4 from both sides to eliminate them:
-3x^2 + 4 = -2x^2
Subtract -2x^2 from both sides:
-3x^2 + 2x^2 + 4 = 0
-x^2 + 4 = 0
-x^2 = -4
x^2 = 4
x = ±2
Therefore, the value of x is 2 or -2.