3. Change the fraction [tex]\frac{w-3}{w+5}[/tex] into an equivalent fraction with the denominator [tex]w^2 + w - 20[/tex].

A. [tex]\frac{w^2 - 7w - 12}{w^2 + w - 20}[/tex]
B. [tex]\frac{w^2 + 7w + 12}{w^2 + w - 20}[/tex]
C. [tex]\frac{w^2 + 7w - 12}{w^2 + w - 20}[/tex]
D. [tex]\frac{w^2 - 7w + 12}{w^2 + w - 20}[/tex]



Answer :

To convert the fraction [tex]\(\frac{w-3}{w+5}\)[/tex] to an equivalent fraction with the denominator [tex]\(w^2 + w - 20\)[/tex], we need to ensure that the numerators and denominators are adjusted properly so that the values of the fractions remain unchanged.

1. Identify the Original Fraction:
The given fraction is [tex]\(\frac{w-3}{w+5}\)[/tex].

2. Factor the Target Denominator:
The target denominator is [tex]\(w^2 + w - 20\)[/tex]. We need to see if this can be factored.
[tex]\[ w^2 + w - 20 = (w + 5)(w - 4) \][/tex]

3. Rewriting the Target Denominator:
Given that the original fraction's denominator is [tex]\(w + 5\)[/tex], we recognize that:
[tex]\[ \frac{w-3}{w+5} = \frac{(w-3) \cdot \frac{(w-4)}{(w-4)}}{(w+5) \cdot \frac{(w-4)}{(w-4)}} = \frac{(w-3)(w-4)}{(w+5)(w-4)} \][/tex]

4. Multiply the Numerator and Denominator:
Multiply the numerator and the denominator by [tex]\((w - 4)\)[/tex] to obtain the equivalent fraction with the new denominator [tex]\(w^2 + w - 20\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ \frac{(w - 3)(w - 4)}{(w + 5)(w - 4)} = \frac{(w - 3)(w - 4)}{w^2 + w - 20} \][/tex]

5. Expand the Numerator:
Expand [tex]\((w - 3)(w - 4)\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ (w - 3)(w - 4) = w(w - 4) - 3(w - 4) = w^2 - 4w - 3w + 12 = w^2 - 7w + 12 \][/tex]

6. Equivalent Fraction:
Therefore, the equivalent fraction with the denominator [tex]\(w^2 + w - 20\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\( \frac{w^2 - 7w + 12}{w^2 + w - 20} \)[/tex]

Thus, the correct answer is:
D. [tex]\(\frac{w^2 - 7w + 12}{w^2 + w - 20}\)[/tex]

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