Solving Algebra Problem: [3+ x5/3y]/x

  • Thread starter Thread starter Imparcticle
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Bit
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying an algebraic expression involving fractional exponents, specifically the expression [3 + x^(5/3)y] / x^(2/3). Participants are attempting to clarify their understanding of the simplification process and the manipulation of terms with exponents.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring different methods of simplifying the expression, questioning the correctness of factoring out terms, and discussing the implications of exponent rules. Some are attempting to clarify how certain terms relate to each other, particularly regarding the presence of x^2 in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and methods for simplification. Some guidance has been offered, but there appears to be confusion regarding the steps taken and the reasoning behind them. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored without a clear consensus on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the manipulation of fractional exponents and the implications of factoring terms. There is uncertainty about the appropriate steps to take, particularly in relation to the smallest power of x in the expression.

Imparcticle
Messages
572
Reaction score
4
I'm not sure how to do this:

[3x-1/3 + x5/3y] / x2/3

this is what i did:

[3 + x5/3y ]/ x1/3x2/3

[3+ x5/3y]/x

the answer to the problem is the same as what I have except instead of x^5/3, its x^2.

help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Of course it is.Put it like that:

[tex]\frac{\frac{3}{x^{\frac{1}{3}}}+x^{\frac{5}{3}}y}{x^{\frac{2}{3}}}[/tex]

Do you see where that x^{2} is coming from...?

Daniel.
 
Your 1.step, that is, extracting [tex]x^{-\frac{1}{3}}[/tex] from the parenthesis has been done incorrectly.
Try to figure out why.
 
u can take x^2/3 in factor for the numerator, u will have:

[x^2/3(3x^-1 +xy)]/x^2/3

then u simplify and obtain

3/x + xy

which leads to (3 + yx^2)/x
 
Of course it is.Put it like that:



Do you see where that x^{2} is coming from...?

no.
Your 1.step, that is, extracting from the parenthesis has been done incorrectly.
Try to figure out why.

I don't see it.

u can take x^2/3 in factor for the numerator, u will have:

[x^2/3(3x^-1 +xy)]/x^2/3
how are you factoring a x^2/3 when the smallest power is -1/3 ? if you factor that out, x^5/3 should be x^1/3.


help.
 
[tex]\frac{\frac{3}{x^{\frac{1}{3}}} + x^{\frac{5}{3}}y}{x^{\frac{2}{3}}} = { \left( \frac{3}{x^{\frac{1}{3}}} + x^{\frac{5}{3}}y \right) \over x^{\frac{2}{3}}}\cdot \frac{x^{\frac{1}{3}}}{x^{\frac{1}{3}}} = \frac{3 + x^2y}{x}[/tex]

I only posted this because I think you're getting more confused by the replies so far. Try to take a lesson from the method I used to simplify (that is, multiplying by 1 is a good idea sometimes!).
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
10K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
0
Views
2K