How do I simplify this fraction?

[polishdude20]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data


Simplify the following expression by rewriting it as a single simple fraction in simplest form:


http://i.imgur.com/LUZVL.gif



2. Relevant equations

not much just factoring and solving for P



3. The attempt at a solution

I tried to factor the fractions by multiplying the denominators with the numerators and after much writing on paper I came up with : (p+5)/(p^2-16) , I also came up with : (fp^2+p)/(p^3-16p)

I'm stumped here as to how much I have to factor or simplify or even even I did it right?

[dangish]

You are right in the sense that you need a common denominator..

Would this help?

5/(p+4) - 5/p(p-2) + 4/(p-4)(p+4)

[polishdude20]

it's supposed to be "5/p(p-4)" but I've done it with ALOT of writing, this stuff fills up your page fast doesn't it?

[dangish]

Well if you got it, who cares? Haha

[Dick]

it's supposed to be "5/p(p-4)" but I've done it with ALOT of writing, this stuff fills up your page fast doesn't it?

It can. But 5/(p(p-4)) isn't right. Putting p=1 in your original expression I get 12/5. Putting p=1 into 5/(p(p-4)) gives -5/3. That isn't right. Is there a typo?

[polishdude20]

It can. But 5/(p(p-4)) isn't right. Putting p=1 in your original expression I get 12/5. Putting p=1 into 5/(p(p-4)) gives -5/3. That isn't right. Is there a typo?

I don't know dick but I got the answer figured out after doing some more thinking, if you guys want to see a solution just wolfram alpha it.. I didn't do it that way though..

[Mentallic]

I don't know dick but I got the answer figured out after doing some more thinking, if you guys want to see a solution just wolfram alpha it.. I didn't do it that way though..

Well I hope you didn't get 5/(p(p-4)) as the answer, because it's not right!

[symbolipoint]

Lowest Common Denominator is p(p+4)(p-4).

Multiply each rational term by 1 using the suitable factors from the LCD,
\frac{5}{(p+4)}\frac{p(p-4)}{p(p-4)}-\frac{5}{p(p-4)}\frac{p+4}{p+4}+\frac{4}{(p+4)(p-4)}\frac{p}{p}

Perform the needed multiplications for the numerator and look for any further simplifications.

[polishdude20]

Well I hope you didn't get 5/(p(p-4)) as the answer, because it's not right!

nono! I said that because somone else wrote the wrong thing and stuff.