Fraction with Radical - need to simplify (easy)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression (sqrt(x) - 4) / (x - 16). Participants explore methods for simplification and seek confirmation on their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help simplifying the expression (sqrt(x) - 4) / (x - 16) and proposes canceling (sqrt(x) - 4) in the numerator and denominator.
  • Another participant suggests that the simplified form should be 1/(sqrt(x) + 4).
  • A later reply confirms that the expression simplifies correctly to 1/(sqrt(x) + 4) and provides a factorization of x - 16 as (sqrt(x) - 4)(sqrt(x) + 4).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the simplification process and the final result, with no significant disagreement noted.

Contextual Notes

None noted.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking assistance with simplifying algebraic expressions involving radicals.

mathatesme
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This is probably easy for everyone on this forum but me. Can someone please explain this to me.

I need to simplify this:

(sqrt(x) - 4) / (x - 16))

am I on the right track by doing it this way...

(sqrt(x) - 4) / (sqrt(x) - 4) (sqrt(x) + 4) ...then cancel the (sqrt(x) - 4) in the Numerator and Denominator. To have my final answer be...

sqrt(x) + 4

Please help.
 
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You mean

[tex]\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}+4}[/tex]

Daniel.
 
Okay...yeah...1/(sqrt(x)+4)

Is that correct?

And thank you for the fast reply!
 
Yes, that's correct.

[tex]x-16= (\sqrt{x}-4)(\sqrt{x}+4)[/tex]
 
Thanks.

Thank you, I really appreciate your help! :)
 

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