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3-9.

If two expressions are equivalent, they can form an equation that is considered to be always true. For example, since is equivalent to , then the equation is always true, or true for any value of .

If two expressions are equal only for certain values of the variable, they can form an equation that is considered to be sometimes true. For example, is equal to only when , so the equation is said to be sometimes true.

If two expressions are not equal for any value of the variable, they can form an equation that is considered to be never true. For example, is not equal to for any value of , so the equation is said to be never true.

Is the equation always, sometimes or never true? Justify your reasoning completely.

Solve the equation. Rewrite as to begin.

The equation is sometimes true; it is only true when .