How do I simplify function composition with fractions within fractions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying function composition involving fractions, specifically the functions F(x) and G(x) defined by the original poster. The problem includes nested fractions, which complicates the simplification process.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses difficulty in simplifying expressions with fractions within fractions and requests a step-by-step explanation. Some participants discuss rules for manipulating fractions and question how these rules apply to different expressions. Others seek clarification on the use of parentheses in expressions to avoid ambiguity.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various interpretations of the rules for simplifying fractions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the manipulation of fractions, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to the original problem. The discussion remains open with multiple perspectives being considered.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern about the clarity of expressions due to the absence of parentheses, which may lead to misinterpretation of the mathematical operations involved.

schlynn
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Homework Statement



F o G(x)
F(x)=1/x+1
g(x)=2x-x/x+3
Simplify

Homework Equations



F o G=f(g(x))

The Attempt at a Solution


Here is the order of things I did.

F(2x-1/x+3)
to
1/(2x-1/x+3)+1
Ok, this sounds stupid but, I can solve these, but when I get stuff like this that has fractions in fraction I don't know how to do it, I am sad to admit that I don't know how to solve it when there is a fraction in a fraction. Please, don't skip any steps, if someone could show me how to do this step by step not skiping anything or leaving anything out, I will forever be gratful, and yes, I mispelled gratful, I am bad at spelling.
 
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THE RULE (in words): Let's say you have a fraction in the denominator. If something is in the denominator of the fraction in the denominator (i.e. on the bottom of the bottom), it ends up on top. If something is in the numerator of the fraction in the denominator (i.e. top of the bottom), it ends up on the bottom.

THE REASON FOR THE RULE (in words): Because dividing by something is the same thing as multiplying by its reciprocal! Dividing by 2 is the same thing as multiplying by 1/2. Dividing by 1/2 is the same thing as multiplying by 2.

Hence: a / (1/2) = a*(2) / 1

Notice that the thing on the bottom of the bottom ended up on the top (with a).

THE RULE (algebraically):

[tex]\frac{\frac{a}{b}}{\frac{c}{d}} = \frac {ad}{bc}[/tex]

THE REASON (algebraically):

[tex]\frac{\frac{a}{b}}{\frac{c}{d}} = \frac{a}{b} \left(\frac{c}{d}\right)^{-1} = \frac{a}{b} \left(\frac{d}{c}\right)[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{ad}{bc}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Do the rules change if its just...

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

Would it be (x+1)(x+2)/x-1?

And what if its (x+1/x+2)/x-1 to being with?
 
You need to use parantheses, x+1/(x-1/x+2) means x + 1/(x - (1/x) + 2) which I doubt you meant, I would rewrite it as (x+1)/[(x-1)/(x+2)]. And yes that would be (x+1)(x+2)/(x-1) once again use parantheses.

If you have (x+1)/(x+2) / (x-1) just note that that's the same as (x+1)/(x+2) * 1/(x-1) and you know that (a/b)*(c/d) = (a*c)/(b*d).
 

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