How do I manipulate algebraic expressions?

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To manipulate the algebraic expression \(\frac{2y^{2}}{4+y^{2}}\) into the form \(2-\frac{8}{4+y^{2}}\), one can add and subtract 8 in the numerator, resulting in \(\frac{2y^2 + 8 - 8}{4+y^2}\). This simplifies to \(\frac{2(4+y^2) - 8}{4+y^2}\), leading to the desired expression. Another method is using long division, where dividing \(2y^2\) by \(y^2 + 4\) yields a quotient of 2 with a remainder of -8. This confirms the transformation is valid and provides clarity on the manipulation process. Understanding these techniques can greatly aid in algebraic expression manipulation.
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Homework Statement



As part of a calculus question, the solutions manual takes \frac{2y^{2}}{4+y^{2}}
And somehow turns it into \left(2-\frac{8}{4+y^{2}}\right)

Ive scribbled all the things i can thinkof on paper and still can't seem to get from one to the other, its driving me nuts!

Any help would be much appreciated :D.

Cheers.
 
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They appear to add 8 and subtract 8 from the numerator. That is,

\frac{2y^2}{4+y^2}=\frac{2y^2+8-8}{4+y^2}=\frac{2(4+y^2)-8}{4+y^2}=2-\frac{8}{4+y^2}
 
cristo said:
They appear to add 8 and subtract 8 from the numerator. That is,

\frac{2y^2}{4+y^2}=\frac{2y^2+8-8}{4+y^2}=\frac{2(4+y^2)-8}{4+y^2}=2-\frac{8}{4+y^2}

Ahhh, i feel like such a fool for not seeing that.

Thanks ;)
 
Another way to see that is simply "long division". y^2+ 0y+ 4 divides into 2y^2+ 0y+ 0 2 times with a remainder of 2y^2- 2(y^2+ 4)= 2y^2-2y^2- 8= -8[/tex] so<br /> \frac{2y^2}{y^2+ 4}= 2- \frac{8}{y^2+ 4}
 
HallsofIvy said:
Another way to see that is simply "long division". y^2+ 0y+ 4 divides into 2y^2+ 0y+ 0 2 times with a remainder of 2y^2- 2(y^2+ 4)= 2y^2-2y^2- 8= -8[/tex] so<br /> \frac{2y^2}{y^2+ 4}= 2- \frac{8}{y^2+ 4}
<br /> <br /> Thanks ;). Very clear to me now.
 
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