College

Which of the following values of [tex]x[/tex] makes the rational expression below undefined?

[tex]\frac{16-x}{7+x}[/tex]

A. 16
B. 7
C. -7
D. -16

Answer :

To determine which value of [tex]\(x\)[/tex] makes the rational expression [tex]\(\frac{16-x}{7+x}\)[/tex] undefined, we need to focus on the denominator. A rational expression becomes undefined when its denominator is equal to zero, so we need to find the value of [tex]\(x\)[/tex] that makes [tex]\(7 + x = 0\)[/tex].

Here’s how we can solve this step-by-step:

1. Set the denominator equal to zero:

[tex]\[
7 + x = 0
\][/tex]

2. Solve for [tex]\(x\)[/tex]:

To isolate [tex]\(x\)[/tex], subtract 7 from both sides:

[tex]\[
x = -7
\][/tex]

The value of [tex]\(x\)[/tex] that makes the denominator zero is [tex]\(x = -7\)[/tex]. Therefore, the rational expression [tex]\(\frac{16-x}{7+x}\)[/tex] is undefined when [tex]\(x = -7\)[/tex].

Thus, the correct answer is C. -7.