Oklahoma State Standards Practice Test

Clearing a fraction by multiplying by the denominator is the key idea here, keeping in mind the denominator can’t be zero. Multiply both sides by x + 2 to get x - 4 = 3(x + 2). Expanding gives x - 4 = 3x + 6. Bring the x terms to one side: -4 = 2x + 6. Subtract 6: -10 = 2x, so x = -5. Checking quickly: (-5 - 4)/(-5 + 2) = (-9)/(-3) = 3, which fits. The solution is -5.