Easy Algebra Question

[Dooga Blackrazor]

Question:
1
_________
x + 1 - x + 1
_______
1
____
x+1

Here's where I'm stuck:

x + 1 * x+1
____
1

= x^2 + 2x + 1

(x + 1) - (x^2 + 2x + 1)

How are you supposed to deal with the x + 1 - x + 1
Thanks?

[decibel]

What are you trying to get at here?, are you trying to find a derivative using the first principles?

[Dooga Blackrazor]

The question is supposed to be simplified as a fraction in lowest terms - or not a fraction if that is the case. I don't know what your refering to I'm afraid, my math rhetoric is fairly limited.

[decibel]

well, okay, is it x+1-x+1 OR (x+1)-(x+1), because if it has brackets then it would equal 0, but if it has no brackets then it would simplify to 2.

[jcsd]

I'm not sure excatly what you're trying to do but surely x + 1 - x + 1 = 2

simulpost :blushing:

[Dooga Blackrazor]

The lines represent fractions or division. The x + 1 is being (-) subtracted by a fraction, which is connected to a bunch of other fractions. I how to get common denominators however once.

--- does not equal division or anything --- was used for moving #'s over.

------- 1
-------___
x + 1 - x+1
------- ___
------- 1
------- ___
------- x+1

I'm not sure what to do from there.

[jcsd]

You'll have to be clearer, but surely 1/(x+1)/1/(x+1) = 1

[Dooga Blackrazor]

I've got it now, thanks. The result of all the fractions is done first, then subtracted from x + 1, which gives you x, which results in the correct answer as marked on the sheet.

Thanks again.