Advanced Algebra, factor and simplify

You cannot simplify this further. Your approach is incorrect, but I appreciate your effort. In summary, the problem is to simplify (-4/x+h + -4/x) / h, using the method of finding a common denominator and adding the fractions. This results in a final answer of (-8x-4h)/(xh(x+h)). However, this cannot be simplified further.
  • #1
pooker
16
0
I am having problems understanding this. Could someone explain how to arrive at the answer for this problem . (-5/2)(x)(x+3)^(-3/2) + (5)(x+3)^(-1/2) Thank you

It says to factor and simplify. Express the answer as a fraction without negative exponents.This is where I get to (-5x/2)(1/cubed root of (x+3)^3) + 5 / (cubed root of x+3 )

edit here is more i got

-5x/2(x+3)^2) + 5/(x+3)

get common denominator times the second by x+3 then by 2

so

-5x/2(x+3)^2 + 10x + 30 / 2(x+3)^2

I assume I have to get a common denominator but I am unsure of how to do that with negative fraction exponents that are not already equal.
 
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  • #2
(-5/2)(x)(x+3)^(-3/2) + (5)(x+3)^(-1/2)

[tex]\frac{-5x}{2\sqrt{(x+3)^3}}+\frac{5}{\sqrt{x+3}}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{-5x}{2(x+3)\sqrt{x+3}}+\frac{5}{\sqrt{x+3}}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{-5x+5*2(x+3)}{2(x+3)\sqrt{x+3}}[/tex]

Do you feel comfortable to continue now?
 
  • #3
let me try now


attain common denominator


so multiply other side by 2(x+3)


so we get

-5x/2(x+3)(square root x+3) + 10(x+3)/2(x+3)(square root x+3)

simplify

10x+30

since they are know common denominators do the addition

5x + 30 / 2x+6(square root x+3)

Is this correct or am I wrong ?
 
  • #4
pooker said:
let me try now


attain common denominator


so multiply other side by 2(x+3)


so we get

-5x/2(x+3)(square root x+3) + 10(x+3)/2(x+3)(square root x+3)

simplify

10x+30

since they are know common denominators do the addition

5x + 30 / 2x+6(square root x+3)

Is this correct or am I wrong ?

You're right. Also, it is even better when you rationalize (multiply the whole equation with sqrt(x+3)/sqrt(x+3)) so that you eliminate the square root in the denominator.

Regards.
 
  • #5
thank you very much aaron you really helped me out with future problems. Our teacher said only 25% of students pass this class out of 24. Here is my next one I tried to work
((-4/x+h) + (-4/x) ) / h

I remember something called ltw, where if you had addition in the denominator you multipled each side by the others denominator.

So we would get

-4x/(x^2 + h) + 4x + h / x^2 + h

of course all divided by h

now that the top has a common denominator we simplay add the two together leaving us

h / x^2 + h the H should cancel out leaving

1/ x^2

now for the remainder the total problem is now

(1/x^2) / h we can reverse the bottom and multiply fractions so

1/(x^2) * 1/h we get 1/ (x^2H) is this correct Aaron?

btw you are really smart. :)
 
  • #6
When you multiply the denominator x + h by x how do you end up with x^2 + h?
 
  • #7
((-4/x+h) + (-4/x) ) / h

[tex]\frac{\frac{-4x}{x(x+h)}+\frac{-4(x+h)}{x(x+h)}}{h}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{-4x-4x-4h}{xh(x+h)}[/tex]

The final result:

[tex]-\frac{4(2x+h)}{xh(x+h)}[/tex]
 

Related to Advanced Algebra, factor and simplify

1. What is Advanced Algebra?

Advanced Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with more complex algebraic concepts, such as solving equations with multiple variables, graphing of non-linear functions, and manipulating polynomials with higher degrees.

2. What does it mean to factor an expression?

Factoring an expression means to break it down into simpler terms that can be multiplied together to get the original expression. It is a useful technique in simplifying equations and solving for unknown variables.

3. How do I simplify an algebraic expression?

To simplify an algebraic expression, you need to combine like terms and use the rules of exponents to simplify any powers. You can also factor the expression to make it simpler. It is important to remember to follow the order of operations when simplifying.

4. What is the difference between simplifying and solving an equation?

Simplifying an equation means reducing it to its most basic form, while solving an equation means finding the value of the unknown variable that makes the equation true. Simplifying is a step towards solving an equation, but they are not the same thing.

5. Why is it important to learn how to factor and simplify in Advanced Algebra?

Learning how to factor and simplify in Advanced Algebra is important because it allows you to solve more complex equations and work with more complicated functions. It also helps in understanding more advanced mathematical concepts, such as calculus and linear algebra.

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