Solve for Rational Term: 2x^2-1 Over x^2+1

In summary, the expression $\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}$ is equal to $2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}$ because when dividing $2x^2-1$ by $x^2 +1$, the result is $2$ with a remainder of $-3$. This can also be seen through Long Division, where the quotient is $2$ and the remainder is $-3$.
  • #1
theakdad
211
0
I have a question why is \(\displaystyle \frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}\) equal to \(\displaystyle 2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}\) ??
 
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  • #2
wishmaster said:
U have a question why is \(\displaystyle \frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}\) equal to \(\displaystyle 2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}\) ??
\begin{aligned}
\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}
&= \frac{2x^2 + 2 - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1) - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1)}{x^2+1} - \frac 3{x^2+1}\\
&= 2-\frac{3}{x^2+1} \\
\end{aligned}
 
  • #3
I like Serena said:
\begin{aligned}
\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}
&= \frac{2x^2 + 2 - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1) - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1)}{x^2+1} - \frac 3{x^2+1}\\
&= 2-\frac{3}{x^2+1} \\
\end{aligned}

thank you!

Is this the only way to caclulate it?
 
  • #4
wishmaster said:
thank you!

Is this the only way to caclulate it?

It is similar to calculating:
\begin{aligned}
\frac 7 2
&= \frac {3\cdot 2 + 1}{2} \\
&= \frac {3\cdot 2} 2 + \frac{1}{2} \\
&= 3 + \frac 1 2
\end{aligned}
Just with more complicated expressions.Alternatively, you can say that if you divide $7$ by $2$, you get $3$ with a remainder of $7 - 3 \cdot 2 = 1$.
That is, \(\displaystyle \frac 7 2 = 3 + \frac 1 2\).Similarly, you can say that if you divide $2x^2-1$ by $x^2 +1$, you get $2$, because the coefficient of $x^2$ is $2$.

The remainder is then $(2x^2 - 1) - 2(x^2+1) = 2x^2 - 1 - 2x^2 - 2 = -3$.
So
$$\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1} = 2 + \frac {-3}{x^2+1}$$

Note that this "other" method is really the same thing.
 
  • #5
Hello, wishmaster!

[tex]\text{Why is }\,\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}\,\text{ equal to }\,2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}\,?[/tex]

Are you familiar with Long Division?

. . [tex]\begin{array}{cccccc}
&&&& 2 \\
&& --&--&-- \\
x^2+1 & | & 2x^2 &-&1 \\
&& 2x^2 &+& 2 \\
&& --&--&-- \\
&&& - & 3 \end{array}[/tex]Therefore: .[tex]\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1} \;\;=\;\;2 - \frac{3}{x^2+1}[/tex]
 
  • #6
soroban said:
Hello, wishmaster!


Are you familiar with Long Division?

. . [tex]\begin{array}{cccccc}
&&&& 2 \\
&& --&--&-- \\
x^2+1 & | & 2x^2 &-&1 \\
&& 2x^2 &+& 2 \\
&& --&--&-- \\
&&& - & 3 \end{array}[/tex]Therefore: .[tex]\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1} \;\;=\;\;2 - \frac{3}{x^2+1}[/tex]
Thank you all for the help! I have studied those kind of problems,so now i know how to do it!
 

FAQ: Solve for Rational Term: 2x^2-1 Over x^2+1

1. What is a rational term?

A rational term is an algebraic expression that is written as a ratio of two integers. It can also be written as a fraction, where the numerator and denominator are both polynomials.

2. How do you solve for a rational term?

To solve for a rational term, you first factor both the numerator and denominator. Then, you can simplify the expression by canceling out any common factors. Finally, plug in any remaining variables to find the solution.

3. What does the expression 2x^2-1 over x^2+1 mean?

This expression represents a rational term, where the numerator is 2x^2-1 and the denominator is x^2+1. It can also be read as "2x^2-1 divided by x^2+1".

4. Can the expression 2x^2-1 over x^2+1 be simplified?

Yes, the expression can be simplified by factoring the numerator and denominator and then canceling out any common factors.

5. What is the solution to 2x^2-1 over x^2+1?

The solution to this expression is a rational term where the numerator and denominator are both simplified as much as possible. The final solution may also include any variables that were initially present in the expression.

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