How Do You Simplify the Expression \(\frac{a^4-b^4}{4a^2+4b^2}:(a+b)\)?

[kristo]

I'm supposed to simplify this, help please!
\frac{a^4-b^4}{4a^2+4b^2}:(a+b)
Sorry for posting in the wrong section, could someone move it?

 

[neutrino]

Welcome to PF, kristo.

According to forum guidelines, you need to show you work before asking for help.

 

[sutupidmath]

the result will be: (a-b)/4

 

[HallsofIvy]

Normally, I would delete a post giving the answer while the original poster has not shown any effort on the problem, especially when there is no work done. Here, however, there is no difficulty since the "answer" given by sutupidmath is obviously wrong!

Kristo, what does that ":" mean? Are you simply multiplying the fraction by (a+ b)? I will give a hint- you can both numerator and denominator of the fraction.

 

[sutupidmath]

I appologize for entering the answer directly. However if ":" on kristos problem means division then i do not see why my answer is wrong?

 

[HallsofIvy]

I didn't think of : meaning division- you think it is missing a -?

In that case I can see your answer- although the usual interpretation of
a+ b/4 would be a+ (b/4)- still not right!

 

[neutrino]

I didn't think of : meaning division- you think it is missing a -?

In that case I can see your answer- although the usual interpretation of
a+ b/4 would be a+ (b/4)- still not right!

I think he meant division in the way ratios are written. 2:3, for example.