Forget the name of it, but i need a review

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster seeks a review of a mathematical expression involving the addition of two fractions: (2x+1)/(x-1) + 1/(x+1). The context appears to be algebra, specifically focusing on fraction addition and finding a common denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a common denominator and how to manipulate the fractions involved. Some express confusion about the steps required to combine the fractions, while others provide hints and guidance on the process of finding a common denominator and using the FOIL method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with multiple participants offering suggestions and clarifications. There is a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the steps to take, particularly around the application of the common denominator and the multiplication of polynomials.

Contextual Notes

Participants question the original poster's notation and assumptions, and there is a noted emphasis on the importance of clarity in mathematical expressions. Some participants also express uncertainty about the correctness of their own calculations.

austin1250
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Homework Statement



I basiclly just need a little review and maybe some 1 to show me how to solve out the equation/and equation like it. here is an example:

2x+1 / x-1 + 1/ x+1 = ?

Homework Equations


?



The Attempt at a Solution


?
 
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austin1250 said:

Homework Statement



I basiclly just need a little review and maybe some 1 to show me how to solve out the equation/and equation like it. here is an example:

2x+1 / x-1 + 1/ x+1 = ?
I assume by ? you mean a number like 3 or 2 or even some function f(x)?but here's a clue

[tex]\frac{1}{a} + \frac{1}{b}= \frac{a+b}{ab}[/tex]
 
by Question mark i mean it would equal like 2x + 1 / x^2 - 1 or something along those lines
 
austin1250 said:
by Question mark i mean it would equal like 2x + 1 / x^2 - 1 or something along those lines



then just bring them to the same common denominator (x-1)(x+1). Do you know how to do that?
 
I THINK you mean you want to add the two fractions (2x+1)/(x-1)+ 1/(x+1).
(Please use parentheses!)

As Rock.freak667 said, you need to get "common denominators". Here, the common denominator is (x-1)(x+1). Multiply numerator and denominator of the first fraction by x+1 and numerator and denominator of the second fraction by x-1.
 
rock.freak667 said:
then just bring them to the same common denominator (x-1)(x+1). Do you know how to do that?

no i forget, do you foil it ?
 
HallsofIvy said:
I THINK you mean you want to add the two fractions (2x+1)/(x-1)+ 1/(x+1).
(Please use parentheses!)

As Rock.freak667 said, you need to get "common denominators". Here, the common denominator is (x-1)(x+1). Multiply numerator and denominator of the first fraction by x+1 and numerator and denominator of the second fraction by x-1.

yeah, ok I did that and i got

(2x^2-x-1)/(x2-2x+1) + (x+1)/ (x^2 -2x-2)

now what
 
austin1250 said:
yeah, ok I did that and i got

(2x^2-x-1)/(x2-2x+1) + (x+1)/ (x^2 -2x-2)

now what

the denominator would be (x-1)(x+1)

now do as HallsofIvy said and

HallsofIvy said:
Multiply numerator and denominator of the first fraction by x+1 and numerator and denominator of the second fraction by x-1.
 
rock.freak667 said:
the denominator would be (x-1)(x+1)

now do as HallsofIvy said and

that just confused me. i did what halls said and i got the answer you quoted. so i did it wrong?
 
  • #10
austin1250 said:
that just confused me. i did what halls said and i got the answer you quoted. so i did it wrong?

[tex]\frac{2x+1}{x-1} + \frac{1}{x-1}[/tex]



[tex]= \frac{(2x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)} + \frac{(x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)}[/tex]

since the denominators are both the same, you can just add the numerators now.
 
  • #11
rock.freak667 said:
[tex]\frac{2x+1}{x-1} + \frac{1}{x-1}[/tex]



[tex]= \frac{(2x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)} + \frac{(x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)}[/tex]

since the denominators are both the same, you can just add the numerators now.

did you copy that down wrong? its

(2x+1)/(x-1)+ 1/(x+1).
 
  • #12
austin1250 said:
did you copy that down wrong? its

(2x+1)/(x-1)+ 1/(x+1).

Sorry there, forgot to do some more typing, should be this



[tex] = \frac{(2x+1)(x+1)}{(x-1)(x+1)} + \frac{(x-1)}{(x-1)(x+1)}[/tex]
 
  • #13
Now, austin1250, use "FOIL" to multiply (x-1)(x+1) carefully! It is NOT [itex]x^2- 2x- 1[/itex].
 
  • #14
HallsofIvy said:
Now, austin1250, use "FOIL" to multiply (x-1)(x+1) carefully! It is NOT [itex]x^2- 2x- 1[/itex].

oh did i say that? Sorry

x2-1
 

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