How can I get help with Sat prep for solving the equation ab-1/b?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression \( \frac{1}{\frac{1}{a}} - \frac{1}{b} \) and understanding the requirements for adding fractions. The subject area pertains to algebra and precalculus concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the simplification of the expression and question the steps involved in obtaining a common denominator. There are attempts to clarify the requirements for adding fractions and the implications of multiplying by certain values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There are multiple interpretations of the expression being simplified, and some participants are confirming their understanding of the process without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note constraints such as the conditions that \( a \) and \( b \) cannot equal zero and that \( a \) cannot equal \( b \). There is also a suggestion to post in a different section for better context.

boricua_2004
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1/(1/a)-(1/b) a cannot = 0 b cannot equal= 0 and a cannot equal b



i would gladly appreciate if someone can help me
 
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Ok ... so what is the problem asking?
 
just asking to simplify the problem
 
[tex]\frac{1}{\frac{1}{a}}-\frac{1}{b}[/tex]

Multiply the numerator of 1/(1/a) by a and the denominator (1/a) by a.

Also, next time post this in the Precalculus section.
 
is that wat you think it is or the answer and how did you get there and from my answer choices that's not one them
 
boricua_2004 said:
is that wat you think it is or the answer and how did you get there and from my answer choices that's not one them
I'm not going to do it for you.

Continue working it with what I suggested with my other reply.
 
ok no prob
 
ok i have this so far a-1/b I am i in the right path
 
boricua_2004 said:
ok i have this so far a-1/b I am i in the right path
Good!

So what is the requirement to add fractions? What do you need in common?
 
  • #10
a denominator if I am correct
 
  • #11
boricua_2004 said:
a denominator if I am correct
Yep. So a's denominator is just 1, so 1/b determines the denominator needed.

Multiply a's numerator and denominator by what number or letter?
 
  • #12
multiply by b
 
  • #13
boricua_2004 said:
multiply by b
So what do you get?
 
  • #14
b-a please tell me I am correct
 
  • #15
because if i multiply by b the b cancels in the denominator and then its a-b or b-a right
 
  • #16
boricua_2004 said:
because if i multiply by b the b cancels in the denominator and then its a-b or b-a right
No, you're only multiplying a by b and writing all of the numerator under a common denominator, b.

Ex:

[tex]1-\frac{1}{2}=1\cdot\frac{2}{2}-\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2-1}{2}[/tex]
 
  • #17
so it should equal ab-1/b
 
  • #18
boricua_2004 said:
so it should equal ab-1/b
Be careful with how you write or type it.

Is that [tex]ab-\frac{1}{b}[/tex] or [tex]\frac{ab-1}{b}[/tex]?
 
  • #19
ab-1
b
 
  • #20
ab-1/b
the second one
 

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