Resolving a Complex Identity: Collaborative Proof Approach

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The discussion centers on resolving a complex algebraic identity involving functions and variables. The left-hand side (LHS) was initially challenging to simplify, but through collaboration, participants suggested putting it over a common denominator, which clarified the relationship with the right-hand side (RHS). This approach ultimately led to a successful resolution of the identity, confirming that both sides are equal. The original poster expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the common denominator method was the key to solving the problem. The exchange highlights the value of collaborative problem-solving in advanced mathematical contexts.
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I am having difficulty symbolically resolving the LHS of this identity algebraically:

\frac{r}{2} \left[ \left(8 \pi P(r) + \frac{1}{r^2} \right) \frac{r}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{r^2} \right] = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\left(4 \pi r P(r) + \frac{1}{2r} \right) \frac{r}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{2r} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\left( 4 \pi r^2 P(r) + \frac{1}{2} \right) \frac{1}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{2r} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\frac{4 \pi r^2 P(r)}{r-2 u}+\frac{1}{2 (r-2 u)}-\frac{1}{2 r} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

Any collaboration would be greatly appreciated.

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Attempt to resolve LHS with RHS:
\frac{4 \pi r^2 P(r)}{r-2 u}+\frac{1}{2 (r-2 u)}-\frac{1}{2 r} = \frac{4 \pi r^2 P(r)}{r - 2u} + \frac{u}{r(r - 2u)}

Identity:
\frac{1}{2 (r-2 u)}-\frac{1}{2 r} = \frac{u}{r(r - 2u)}

Factor:
\frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{r} \right) = \frac{u}{r(r - 2u)}
u = \frac{r(r - 2u)}{2} \left( \frac{1}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{r} \right)
\frac{1}{2} [r - (r - 2u )] = u
u = u

Resigned.
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Orion1 said:
I am having difficulty symbolically resolving the LHS of this identity algebraically:

\frac{r}{2} \left[ \left(8 \pi P(r) + \frac{1}{r^2} \right) \frac{r}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{r^2} \right] = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\left(4 \pi r P(r) + \frac{1}{2r} \right) \frac{r}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{2r} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\left( 4 \pi r^2 P(r) + \frac{1}{2} \right) \frac{1}{r - 2u} - \frac{1}{2r} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\frac{4 \pi r^2 P(r)}{r-2 u}+\frac{1}{2 (r-2 u)}-\frac{1}{2 r} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

Any collaboration would be greatly appreciated.

[/Color]

Put the left-hand side over a common denominator. You're nearly there!
 
Orion1 said:
Attempt to resolve LHS with RHS:
...
Identity:
...
Factor:
...
Resigned.
Why resign? In the domain where your steps were reversible, doesn't reversing your steps do exactly what you want?
 

LHS over common denomonator:
\frac{8 \pi r^3 P(r)}{2r (r-2 u)}+\frac{r}{2r (r - 2 u)}-\frac{r - 2u}{2 r(r - 2u)} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\frac{8 \pi r^3 P(r) + r - (r - 2u)}{2 r(r - 2u)} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\frac{8 \pi r^3 P(r) + 2 u}{2 r (r-2 u)} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}

\boxed{\frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)} = \frac{4 \pi r^3 P(r) + u}{r(r - 2u)}}
[/Color]

Hurkyl said:
doesn't reversing your steps do exactly what you want?
[/Color]

Affirmative, there was nothing left to prove at that point, hence resign. However the LHS common denominator proof approach is what I was searching for.

Thanks johnshade, you just helped me solve a PHD level equation!
[/Color]
 
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