Expanding Exponent Expressions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around expanding exponent expressions, specifically focusing on the expression involving square roots and polynomial terms, such as 2x√(3x-1). Participants are attempting to clarify the steps needed to simplify and expand these expressions correctly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of certain equalities, such as whether 2x√(3x-1) equals 12x² - 4x. There are attempts to simplify expressions involving square roots and polynomial terms, with some participants expressing confusion about the simplification process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on recognizing common denominators and rewriting expressions, while others are still exploring the correct simplification steps. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas without a clear consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the amount of direct assistance they can provide to one another. There is also a noted confusion regarding the simplification of terms involving square roots and polynomial expressions.

thomas49th
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Hi, I don know how to go about expanding things such as

[tex]3x\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex]
apparently that equals 12x^{2} - 4x

i know that [tex]3x\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex] can be written as [tex]3x(3x-1)^{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]

but i don't know what to do. I can't remeber.

Thanks :)
 
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[tex]3x\sqrt{3x-1} \neq 12x^2 - 4x[/tex]
 
SORRY MY BAD I MENT [tex]2x\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex] = 12x^{2} - 4x

How do i get there?

Thanks :)
 
[tex]2x\sqrt{3x-1} \neq 12x^2 - 4x[/tex]
 
SORRY. Ill start a bit further back
i have this:

[tex]x^{2}\frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^{-1}{2} + 2x\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex]

and I don't know how it simplifies to

[tex]\frac{3x^{2} + 12x^{2} - 4x}{2\sqrt{3x-1}}[/tex]I can't see that the
[tex]x^{2} x \frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/tex] will equal [tex]\frac{3x^{2}}{2\sqrt{3x-1}}[/tex]

but i can't see how the other bit simplifies... can you show me

Thanks
 
Last edited:
thomas49th said:
SORRY. Ill start a bit further back
i have this:

[tex]x^{2}\frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^{-1}{2} + 2x\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex]

and I don't know how it simplifies to

[tex]\frac{3x^{2} + 12x^{2} - 4x}{2\sqrt{3x-1}}[/tex]

I can't see that the
[tex]x^{2} x \frac{3}{2}(2x-1)^{-\frac{1}{2}}[/tex] will equal [tex]\frac{3x^{2}}{2\sqrt{3x-1}}[/tex]

Hi thomas49th! :smile:

Do you follow:
[tex]\frac{3x^{2}}{2\sqrt{3x-1}}\,+\,2x\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{3x^{2}}{2\sqrt{3x-1}}\,+\,\frac{2x(3x-1)}{\sqrt{3x-1}}[/tex] ? :smile:
 
yes i can see a common denomitor so u multiply both the numerator and demonitor by [tex]2\sqrt{3x-1}[/tex] of the fraction
Cheerz :)
 

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