Find P if \(\frac{x - 3}{(1 - x)(x + 2)}\) = \(\frac{p}{1 - x}\) + \(\frac{Q}{x + 2}\)
A
\(\frac{-2}{3}\)
B
\(\frac{-5}{3}\)
C
\(\frac{5}{3}\)
D
\(\frac{2}{3}\)
Verified Correct Answer: A.
Step-by-Step Mathematical Solution
\(\frac{x - 3}{(1 - x)(x + 2)}\) = \(\frac{p}{1 - x}\) + \(\frac{Q}{x + 2}\)
Multiply both sides by LCM i.e. (1 - x(x + 2))
∴ x - 3 = p(x + 2) + Q(1 - x)
When x = +1
(+1) - 3 = p(+1 + 2) + Q(1 - 1)
-2 = 3p + 0(Q)
3p = -2
∴ p = \(\frac{-2}{3}\)
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #31011)