Am I overcomplicating a simple algebraic expression?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an algebraic equation involving squared unknowns in the denominator. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their initial approach and whether they may have overcomplicated the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions their method of solving the equation and whether they have made it more complex than necessary. Other participants provide hints and suggest simpler forms of the expressions involved, while the original poster seeks clarification on handling the denominator.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering hints and alternative perspectives. The original poster has indicated progress towards a solution, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has attached their attempt at solving the equation, which may contain specific details relevant to the discussion. There is a mention of a common denominator that has been used in the problem-solving process.

Femme_physics
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I mean "equation", not "expression"..sorry.

I think I have issues with squared unknowns at the denominator. My big question is whether I STARTED OUT solving this equation correctly, or did I overcomplicate things perhaps?

Attached is the problem with my attempt.

I'll be happy for some guidance.
 

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Whoa you definitely overcomplicated things!

Hint: [tex](x+5)(x-5) = x^2 -25[/tex]
 
Fair enough, but what do I do with that 3x+15 denominator? I've tried a bunch of stuff but I keep getting entangled with it
 
Well that's just 3(x+5) right? So you can just let it be [tex]{{5/3} \over {(x+5)}}[/tex]
 
Ah...got the answer! actually used 3(x+5)(3-5) as common denominator. x = 8

:D Thanks aa bunch pengwuino!
 

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