standard_description: Prove polynomial identities and use them to describe numerical relationships. For example, the polynomial identity (x^(2) + y^(2))^(2) = (x^(2 )– y^(2))^(2) + (2xy)^(2 )can be used to generate Pythagorean triples.
problem_activity: Task
Megan is working solving the equation $$\frac{2}{x^2-1} - \frac{1}{x-1} = \frac{1}{x+1}.$$ She says
If I clear the denominators I find that the only solution is $x = 1$ but when I substitute in $x = 1$ the equation does not make any sense.
Is Megan's work correct?
Why does Megan's method produce an $x$ value that does not solve the equation?


aligns: no