GMAT Problem Solving (PS) | Re: If x ≠ 2 and (x - 1)(x^2 + 1)/(x-2) = 0, then x =

The only way for a fractional expression to equal zero is when the numerator is equal to zero. Thus, we can ignore the denominator and set the numerator equal to 0 to solve for x:

(x -1)(x^2 + 1) = 0

x = 1

OR

x^2 +1 = 0

x^2 = -1

Notice that x^2 can never be negative, so x^2 can’t be equal to -1. So x = 1 is the only solution.

Answer: C
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