Basic Algebra Simplifying a complex fraction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a complex fraction derived from an engineering exercise involving a transfer function. The original poster seeks validation of their approach and calculations related to the expressions for C and R.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants clarify the expressions for C and R, question the simplification steps, and discuss the implications of eliminating terms in the fraction. Some express uncertainty about the simplification process and the resulting form of the equation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing clarifications and exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is a mix of attempts to simplify the expression and questions about the appropriateness of certain steps. Some participants have offered guidance on potential simplifications.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific expressions and potential simplifications, but the original poster indicates uncertainty about their correctness. The conversation includes informal elements, such as humor related to the discussion of "smilies," which may distract from the mathematical focus.

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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!
 

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