Distribution in Algebra: Calculating 16(1+h)^2 - 16(1)^2/h

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the algebraic simplification of the expression 16(1+h)² - 16(1)²/h as h approaches zero. The user initially struggles with the disappearance of the term 16/h during simplification. The correct approach involves factoring out 16 from the original expression, leading to the simplified form 16((1+h)² - 1)/h, which can be further simplified to yield the limit as h approaches zero. This method clarifies the behavior of the expression and resolves the confusion regarding the term 16/h.

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robertjford80
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Homework Statement


This is a calc problem but it's the algebra part I'm having trouble with:

Screenshot2012-05-21at11120AM.png






The Attempt at a Solution



[16(1+h)2 - 16(1)2]/h

[16 + 32h + 16h2 - 162]/h

= 16/h + 32 + 16h - 162

this is a calc problem so h approaches zero

= 32 + 16h - 162

= 16(h + 2) - 162

I can't figure out why - 162 disappears.
 
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robertjford80 said:
= 16/h + 32 + 16h - 162

this is a calc problem so h approaches zero

= 32 + 16h - 162

What happened to that 16/h?? Surely, as h -> 0 16/h is -not- equal to 0.



Try taking the 16 common out of the original expression, giving you

[tex]\frac{16((1+h)^2-1)}{h}[/tex]

Simplify this further, that should lead you to your answer.
 

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