From point A to point B, basic algebra.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around transitioning from one algebraic expression (point A) to another (point B). The expressions involve fractions and polynomial terms, specifically focusing on simplifying and manipulating these to achieve a desired form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods to simplify the expressions, including distributing powers, making cancellations, and breaking fractions apart. Some participants express uncertainty about their algebra skills and seek clarification on specific steps in their reasoning.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints and guidance to help others progress through the problem. There is an acknowledgment of different approaches, with one participant noting a simpler method for achieving the same result. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to explore the problem without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention a lack of recent practice with algebra, which may contribute to their difficulties in solving the problem. There is also a focus on ensuring that hints provided do not lead to complete solutions, maintaining the learning-first approach of the forum.

calisoca
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Homework Statement



I'm not sure how to get from point A to point B. It seems simple enough, but I'm just not seeing it!

Homework Equations



point A:

\frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]^2 \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]

point B:

\frac{81}{4} \ (1 + \frac{1}{n})^2 \ - \ 27(1 + \frac{1}{n})

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm honestly at a loss on this simple problem, however sad that may seem.
 
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calisoca said:

Homework Statement



I'm not sure how to get from point A to point B. It seems simple enough, but I'm just not seeing it!

Homework Equations



point A:

((81/(n^4))*((n(n+1)/2)^2)) - ((54/(n^2))*(n(n+1)/2)

point B:

((81/4)*((1+(1/n))^2)) - (27*(1+(1/n)))

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm honestly at a loss on this simple problem, however sad that may seem.

For the left hand term, distribute the power of 2 within the bracket and make any obvious cancellations. Then use the fact that an/bn = (a/b)n to get it closer to the desired form. See if you can figure out the last step.

For the right hand term, first make an obvious cancellation, and then break the fraction up as required.

I have tried to only give hints so you can do the actual math yourself. Hopefully one of the hints may be the thing you were looking for and you can finish it off yourself :smile:
 
Danago, thank you very much. I will work with the hints you gave me and see if I can figure it out. It's not hard, it's just that I haven't actually done any real algebra in the last few months, so I'm a bit slow right now. If I need any more help from here, I'll post, but otherwise, thank you again for your help!
 
Okay, here is what I have so far. However, getting the first term to what I want is problematic for me. Step 6 is where I am stuck. May I please get some help getting past Step 6? I'd greatly appreciate it.1.) \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]^2 \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]

2.) \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{2}]^2 \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{2}]

3.) \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n^4 + 2n^3 + n^2}{4}] \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{2}]

4.) \frac{81(n^4 + 2n^3 + n^2)}{4n^4} \ - \ \frac{54(n^2 + n)}{2n^2}

5.) \frac{81}{4} \ [\frac{n^4 + 2n^3 + n^2}{n^4}] \ - \ \frac{54}{2} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{n^2}]

6.) \frac{81}{4} \ (1 + \frac{2}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}}) \ - \ \frac{54}{2} \ (1 + \frac{1}{n})
 
Crap! Just figured it out. Like Danago said, \frac{a^2}{b^2} = (\frac{a}{b})^2

So...


1.) \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]^2 \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]

2.) \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{2}]^2 \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{2}]

3.) \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n^4 + 2n^3 + n^2}{4}] \ - \ \frac{54}{n^2} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{2}]

4.) \frac{81(n^4 + 2n^3 + n^2)}{4n^4} \ - \ \frac{54(n^2 + n)}{2n^2}

5.) \frac{81}{4} \ [\frac{n^4 + 2n^3 + n^2}{n^4}] \ - \ \frac{54}{2} \ [\frac{n^2 + n}{n^2}]

6.) \frac{81}{4} \ (1 + \frac{2}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}}) \ - \ \frac{54}{2} \ (1 + \frac{1}{n})

7.) (1 + \frac{2}{n} + \frac{1}{n^2}) = (1 + \frac{1}{n})^2

8.) \frac{81}{4} \ (1 + \frac{1}{n})^2 \ - \ 27(1 + \frac{1}{n})


Thanks for the help!
 
No problems :smile: You could actually have done it in a slightly simpler way, without expanding the brackets how you did. Ill demonstrate with the left hand term:

<br /> \frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n(n+1)}{2}]^2<br /> <br /> =\frac{81}{n^4} \ [\frac{n^2(n+1)^2}{4}]<br /> <br /> =\frac{81}{4} \ [\frac{(n+1)^2}{n^2}]<br /> <br /> =\frac{81}{4} \ [\frac{(n+1)}{n}]^2<br /> <br /> =\frac{81}{4} \ [1+\frac{1}{n}]^2<br />

It still ends with the same result, but its probably a little simpler :smile:
 

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