Correct Your Working Out: Troubleshoot Your Math Errors | Tips & Tricks

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on troubleshooting a mathematical error in the simplification of the expression involving \(\beta^2\) and polynomial factors. The user initially simplifies the expression incorrectly, leading to a final answer of \(\frac{3\beta^2}{(x-2)(x-1)^2}\), while the correct simplification is \(\frac{\beta^2}{(x-2)(x-1)^2}\). Key steps in the error include mismanagement of polynomial terms and incorrect factorization, particularly in the transition from the numerator to the final expression.

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confused88
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Can someone please correct my working out...
\frac{\beta^2}{(x-1)(x-2)} - \frac{\beta^2}{(x-1)^2}

\frac{\beta^2(x-1)^2 - \beta^2(x-1)(x-2)}{(x-1)(x-2)(x-1)^2}

\frac{\beta^2x^2 - \beta^2 -\beta^2(x^2 - 3x +2)}{(x-1)(x-2)(x-1)^2}

\frac{3\beta^2 + 3\beta^2x}{(x-1)(x-2)(x-1)^2}

\frac{3\beta^2(x -1)}{(x-1)(x-2)(x-1)^2}

\frac{3\beta^2}{(x-2)(x-1)^2}

that's my answer..

but the real answer is meant to be:
\frac{\beta^2}{(x-2)(x-1)^2}

Can someone see where i went wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Looking at the top only.

<br /> \beta^{2}(x-1)^{2} - \beta^{2}(x-1)(x-2)<br />
<br /> \beta^{2}(x^{2} - x - x +1) - \beta^{2}(x^{2} + 2x - 1x + 2)<br />
<br /> \beta^{2}(x-1)<br />

Simplifies to something like that.
 
thanks!
 

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