How can I simplify this complex expression?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on simplifying the complex expression 36/[64.4*(0.5+(2+ x)*((1-(1/4)*x^2 )^0.5)) ]-x*((1-(1/4)*x^2 )^0.5)=0 before solving for x. Participants suggest rewriting the equation and squaring both sides to facilitate simplification. One user provides a step-by-step approach to rearranging the expression, emphasizing the importance of handling the radical correctly. Ultimately, the user successfully utilizes Mathematica to find the solution after initial struggles with simplification. The conversation highlights the challenges of simplifying complex mathematical expressions and the utility of computational tools.
white1995gt
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I need the following expression simplified.

36/[64.4*(0.5+(2+ x)*((1-(1/4)*x^2 )^0.5)) ]-x*((1-(1/4)*x^2 )^0.5)=0
 
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What have you tried?

Also, this is an equation, so the likely thing to do would be to solve it for x.
 
I just need to simplify first then I have to solve for x. I got the following once I factored everything out and simplified things:

(259*x^8)+(1037*x^7)-(1037*x^6)-(8294*x^5)-(4406*x^4)+(16589*x^3)+(17626*x^2)
 
Actually I think I'm wrong. I think I could get it if someone could square the following expression for me:

64.64 * [0.5 + (2 + x) * (Sqrt[1 - (0.25*x^2)])]

I just can't get it no matter what I try.
 
white1995gt said:
I need the following expression simplified.

36/[64.4*(0.5+(2+ x)*((1-(1/4)*x^2 )^0.5)) ]-x*((1-(1/4)*x^2 )^0.5)=0
Is this the equation?
\frac{36}{64.4(1/2 + (2 + x)\sqrt{1 - x^2/4})} - \frac{x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}} = 0

If so, you can write it as
\frac{36}{64.4(1/2 + (2 + x)\sqrt{1 - x^2/4})} = \frac{x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}}

You can square both sides. I would move the 64.4 up into the numerator so that the new first numerator is 36/64.4 and the denominator of the expression on the left is
(1/2 + (2 + x)\sqrt{1 - x^2/4})

The square of this expression is (1/2)^2 + 2(1/2)(2 + x)sqrt(1 + x^2/4) + (2 + x)^2 * (1 - x^2/4). Everything else is pretty straightforward.
 
Last edited:
It's actually this:

<br /> \frac{36}{64.4(1/2 + (2 + x)\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}} ) - {x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}} = 0<br />
 
Rewrite as <br /> \frac{36/64.4}{1/2 + (2 + x)\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}} = {x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}}

and multiply both sides by sqrt(1 - x^2/4).
 
I'm not really sure how to simplify the radical because it's inside the parenthesis. I doubt it's as simple as this:

<br /> <br /> \frac{36/64.4} {1/2 + (2 + x)} = {x}(1 - x^2/4)<br />

Sorry that the parenthesis aren't closed I'm still trying to get used to posting here.
 
Mark44 said:
Rewrite as <br /> \frac{36/64.4}{1/2 + (2 + x)\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}} = {x}{\sqrt{1 - x^2/4}}

and multiply both sides by sqrt(1 - x^2/4).

On second thought, I think it makes more sense to multiply both sides by what's in the denominator on the left side.
 
  • #10
Thank you for all the help. I got mathematica the other day and just got the answer after playing around with it a little bit.
 

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