Understanding Fraction Simplification

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion over the conversion of $\frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}$ to $\frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}$ and the request for a step-by-step explanation. The expert suggests that these are not equivalent and appears to be an attempt at integrating an improper equation. The expert also provides a solution for the integration and determines that the integral is divergent.
  • #1
shamieh
539
0
Confused on how we go from

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}\) to \(\displaystyle \frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}\)

Can someone please show me step-by-step. I need to see the basic steps.

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
shamieh said:
Confused on how we go from

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}\) to \(\displaystyle \frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}\)

Can someone please show me step-by-step. I need to see the basic steps.

Thanks in advance.

These things are NOT the same, so you can't "convert" them...

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{\sqrt[4]{1 + x}} &= \frac{1}{ \left( 1 + x \right) ^{\frac{1}{4}} } \\ &= \left( 1 + x \right) ^{-\frac{1}{4}} \end{align*}$

It APPEARS though that you are trying to ANTIDIFFERENTIATE (Integrate) this function, which you should be able to do now...
 
  • #3
Ahh! Thank you!(Yes)

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And this particular problem would be divergent since you would get \(\displaystyle a^{3/4}\)which is > 1 correct?
 
  • #4
shamieh said:
Ahh! Thank you!(Yes)

- - - Updated - - -

And this particular problem would be divergent since you would get \(\displaystyle a^{3/4}\)which is > 1 correct?

What on EARTH are you talking about? WHAT is divergent? WHAT are you actually trying to do with this question?
 
  • #5
Oh sorry the original problem is the equation up top as \(\displaystyle \int^\infty_0\) and it's improper so i rewrote it as \(\displaystyle \int^a_0\) thus; \(\displaystyle \lim_{a\to\infty}\) and I ended up with a underneath the \(\displaystyle \sqrt{} \)to the \(\displaystyle ^3\) power.

- - - Updated - - -

The initial question of the problem was Determine whether or not the integral is convergent or divergent. Sorry, forgot to include that.

So essentially I had this \(\displaystyle \lim_{a\to\infty} \frac{4}{3}(1 + a)^{3/4} - \frac{4}{3}\) so I'm guessing since it's \(\displaystyle \infty\) in the square root it's always going to keep growing no matter what and be Divergent
 

FAQ: Understanding Fraction Simplification

What does it mean to "rewrite confusing fractions"?

Rewriting confusing fractions is the process of simplifying or expressing fractions in a more clear and understandable form.

How do you rewrite a confusing fraction?

To rewrite a confusing fraction, you can follow these steps:

  • Identify the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) of the fraction.
  • Determine if the fraction can be simplified by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator.
  • Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF to simplify the fraction.
  • If the fraction cannot be simplified, you can convert it to a mixed number or decimal for easier understanding.

When should I rewrite a confusing fraction?

You should consider rewriting a confusing fraction when it is difficult to understand or work with in its current form. This can be when the fraction has large numbers, multiple fractions within a larger fraction, or when it is not in its simplest form.

Can all confusing fractions be rewritten?

Yes, all fractions can be rewritten in a simpler form. However, the simplification may result in a decimal or mixed number, which may or may not be more understandable depending on the context.

How do I know if I have rewritten a fraction correctly?

You can check if you have rewritten a fraction correctly by following these steps:

  • Simplify the fraction to its simplest form.
  • Multiply the simplified fraction by the original denominator.
  • If the result is equal to the original numerator, then you have rewritten the fraction correctly.

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