Simplifying by combining terms

In summary: What about this one?In summary, the equation is almost correct, but you need to add a 2 to the last term in the numerator.
  • #1
headbang
13
0
Ok.. What about this one?

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{y+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{\frac{x+2}{y+1}-2}{x+2}\)

this is where I am at:

\left(\frac{x+2}{y+1}-2\right)
 
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  • #2
headbang said:
Ok.. What about this one?

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{y+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{\frac{x+2}{y+1}-2}{x+2}\)

this is where I am at:
Let's clear that mess in the 3rd term:
\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{y+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{\frac{x+2}{y+1}-2}{x+2} \cdot \frac{(y + 1)}{(y + 1)}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{y+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{(x+2) - 2(y + 1)}{(x+2)(y + 1)}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{y+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{x - 2y}{(x+2)(y + 1)}\)
Now just add the fractions. Give it a try and tell us how it goes from here.

-Dan
 
  • #3
Can the ansver be:

\(\displaystyle \frac{2+x}{4y}\) And i stil don't understand how you solved the messy 3rd term..?

what i did from where you left me..

\(\displaystyle \frac{x+2+2y+2+x-y}{(x+2)(y+1)}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{4+2x+y}{(8x+2)(y+1)}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{2*2+x*x+y}{x*y+2y+y+y+2}\)
 
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  • #4
headbang said:
Ok.. What about this one?

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{y+1}+\frac{2}{x+2}+\frac{\frac{x+2}{y+1}-2}{x+2}\)

this is where I am at:

\left(\frac{x+2}{y+1}-2\right)

I moved the posts associated with your new problem into a separate thread. We ask that new questions not be tagged onto an existing thread...this way the original thread does not potentially become convoluted and hard to follow. :D
 
  • #5
headbang said:
Can the ansver be:

\(\displaystyle \frac{2+x}{4y}\) And i stil don't understand how you solved the messy 3rd term..?

what i did from where you left me..

\(\displaystyle \frac{x+2+2y+2+x-y}{(x+2)(y+1)}\)
First things first: The equation above is almost correct. You missed a 2 in the last term in the numerator. It should be
\(\displaystyle \frac{x+2+2y+2+x-2y}{(x+2)(y+1)}\)

Okay, the third term in your problem is what is known as a "compound fraction." Compound fractions have fractions in the numerator, denominator, or both. Let's take this one step by step.
\(\displaystyle \frac{\frac{x + 2}{y + 1} - 2}{x + 2}\)

The goal here is to remove the fraction in the numerator. Clearly if we multiply the numerator by y + 1 the fraction goes away. And what we do to the numerator we need to do to the denominator. So:
\(\displaystyle \frac{\frac{x + 2}{y + 1} - 2}{x + 2} \cdot \frac{y + 1}{y + 1}\)

Now simplify:
\(\displaystyle \frac{\frac{x + 2}{y + 1} - 2}{x + 2} \cdot \frac{y + 1}{y + 1} = \frac{\left ( \frac{x + 2}{y + 1} \right ) (y + 1) - 2(y + 1)}{(x + 2)(y + 1)}\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{(x + 2) - 2(y +1)} {(x + 2)(y + 1)}\)

And now go from there.

-Dan
 
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  • #6
\(\displaystyle \frac{x+2+2y+2+x-2(y+1)}{(x+2)(y+1)}\)

\(\displaystyle 2y+2+x-2=x+2y\)

Ok?
 

FAQ: Simplifying by combining terms

What does it mean to "simplify by combining terms"?

Simplifying by combining terms is a process in mathematics where terms with similar variables and exponents are combined to create a simpler expression with fewer terms.

When should I simplify by combining terms?

Simplifying by combining terms is often used when solving equations or expressions to make them easier to read and understand. It can also be used to find the simplest form of an expression.

How do I simplify by combining terms?

To simplify by combining terms, first identify terms with common variables and exponents. Then, use the appropriate rules for combining like terms, such as adding or subtracting coefficients, to simplify the expression.

What are the benefits of simplifying by combining terms?

Simplifying by combining terms can make equations and expressions easier to work with and understand. It can also help to identify patterns and relationships between terms, making it easier to solve equations and spot errors.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when simplifying by combining terms?

One common mistake to avoid when simplifying by combining terms is to forget to apply the appropriate rules for combining like terms. Another mistake is to accidentally combine terms that do not have the same variables and exponents.

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