Basic Algebra Simplifying a complex fraction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around simplifying a complex fraction derived from an engineering exercise, specifically the transfer function C/R. Participants clarify the expressions for C and R, with suggestions to simplify by eliminating the common factors. There is a humorous exchange regarding the inclusion of a smiley face, which is treated as a distraction from the math problem. Ultimately, the original poster confirms their results appear correct after further simplification, indicating satisfaction with the outcome. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of problem-solving in algebra.
Physics news on Phys.org
Just to clarify
C = \frac{62.5}{(x+3)(x+4)}
and
R = 1 + \frac{0.625}{(x+3)(x+4)} + \frac{7}{(x+3)}

?
 
JHamm said:
Just to clarify
C = \frac{62.5}{(x+3)(x+4)}
and
R = 1 + \frac{0.625}{(x+3)(x+4)} + \frac{7}{(x+3)}

?

I don't know, I only know what I'm trying to solve not other suppositions
 
Then I guess the question is: what are you trying to do?
 
In the last line, I don't really see why you don't simplify by eliminating (x+3)(x+4).
 
How does the smiley factor in? :smile:



Btw, it looks right, but it would be nice if you wrote things down a bit neater.
And you can simplify it further as micro suggested.
 
Then I guess the question is: what are you trying to do?

Well, I just have a engineering transfer (C/R) function that I'm looking to simplify. as per title :smile: .

The question is "am I right so far?" , basically. Just checking I didn't do a math error.

In the last line, I don't really see why you don't simplify by eliminating (x+3)(x+4).

True! I did, and went on to simplify ...
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/1011/cr2b.jpg

Can I simplifiy it even more?

How does the smiley factor in?

Smilies are an intensively complex algorithmic field of math. I don't even want to get into it. Plus, somehow all my results to that end up in a frowny face :(

You can consider this smiley as a stray. Deviating from another exercise. Sneaky little bastard..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can't you just multiply out the brackets under the division line to get
X^2 + 14x + 40.625 as the denominator
 
Can't you just multiply out the brackets under the division line to get
X^2 + 14x + 40.625 as the denominator

Thing is I'm not sure if I'll consider having a power of 2 in my equation all that simplified?
 
  • #10
Femme_physics said:
Smilies are an intensively complex algorithmic field of math. I don't even want to get into it. Plus, somehow all my results to that end up in a frowny face :(

You can consider this smiley as a stray. Deviating from another exercise. Sneaky little bastard..

pknn17l.jpg
 
  • #11
i like serena said:
pknn17l.jpg

rofl!
 
  • #12
Femme_physics said:
This problem comes from an engineering exercise (hence the C/R which you can ignore). I want to see if I got it right.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/3989/mama1h.jpg
I hate to butt in, because I know that you and I like Serena have developed a rapport .

What is the expression you are starting with?

Is it :
\displaystyle\frac{C}{R}=\frac{\displaystyle\frac{62.5}{(x+3)(x+4)}}{\displaystyle 1 + \frac{0.625}{(x+3)(x+4)} + \frac{7}{(x+3)}}\ \ ?​
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #14
That result looks right, with or without the smiley.
 
  • #15
Thanks!
 
Back
Top