The next step is to use partial fractions.Jay9313 said:Homework Statement
[itex]\frac{x^2}{(x^2 -1)}[/itex]
Homework Equations
N/A
The Attempt at a Solution
I know the solution is supposed to be 1+[itex]\frac{1}{2(x-1)}[/itex]-[itex]\frac{1}{2(x+1)}[/itex] and when I did long division, I got 1+[itex]\frac{1}{(x^2-1)}[/itex] , so I'm making progress, but I'm not quite there. What should I try for my next step?
A rational expression is a mathematical expression that represents the ratio of two polynomials. It can be written in the form of a fraction, where the numerator and denominator are both polynomials.
Simplifying rational expressions allows us to reduce complex expressions into simpler forms, making it easier to work with and understand. It also helps us to identify any common factors and cancel them out, which can make calculations more efficient.
The steps to simplify a rational expression are:
Yes, a rational expression can be simplified to a single number if the numerator and denominator have no common factors. In this case, the simplified expression will be a single number.
Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying rational expressions are: