3. If \( R=\frac{\sqrt{x+5}}{x+3} \), for which values of \( x \) will \( R \) be: a) real b) non real c) undefined d) equal to zero
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Mind Expander
To determine when \( R = \frac{\sqrt{x+5}}{x+3} \) is real, we need to ensure that the expression under the square root is non-negative. This means \( x + 5 \geq 0 \) or \( x \geq -5 \). Additionally, the denominator \( x + 3 \) cannot be zero, which gives us \( x \neq -3 \). Therefore, \( R \) is real for \( x \in [-5, -3) \cup (-3, \infty) \). For \( R \) to be non-real, the expression under the square root must be negative, hence \( x + 5 < 0 \) or \( x < -5 \). In this case, \( R \) will be non-real for \( x < -5 \). Next, the value of \( R \) is undefined when the denominator is zero. Thus, we solve \( x + 3 = 0 \), leading to \( x = -3 \). At this point, \( R \) is undefined. Finally, \( R \) equals zero when the numerator is zero; this occurs when \( \sqrt{x+5} = 0 \). Therefore, we set \( x + 5 = 0 \), leading to \( x = -5 \). In summary: a) Real for \( x \in [-5, -3) \cup (-3, \infty) \) b) Non-real for \( x < -5 \) c) Undefined at \( x = -3 \) d) Equal to zero at \( x = -5 \)