Master Simplifying Skills: How to Simplify Complex Equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying a complex algebraic equation involving fractions and polynomial expressions. The original poster expresses confusion about the simplification process of the equation: 2h + (16/h-8 + 2) (-8/(h-8)^2) into a different form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the multiplication of terms and the application of exponent rules. Some clarify how to expand expressions and combine like terms, while others question the steps leading to the final simplified form.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the simplification process, including the multiplication of fractions and the addition of exponents. The original poster acknowledges the responses and indicates a willingness to revisit the topic later.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster being in a school setting, which may imply time constraints on their ability to engage fully in the discussion.

1calculus1
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Simple Math-- Need help =/

1. Homework Statement [/b
I am confused on how this equation:
2h + (16/h-8 +2) (-8/(h-8)^2
is simplified to this equation:
2h - 128 (h-8)^3 - 16/(h-8)^2

Homework Equations



Simplifying skills.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I know that they got the number 128 from multiplying 16 and -8 together and how they got -16 by multiplying 2 and -8 together. Now, what I don't get is getting (h-8)^3 from (h-8)... SOMEONE PLEASE HELP?
 
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If you have (A + B) * -C

and you want to expand it out you do -A*C - B*C ...do you see?

in your question A = 16/(h-8)

also if you have (1/y)(2/y^2)

you'll get 2/y^3

the top multiplied together and the bottom multiplied together... do you see?
 
do you mean that 2h - 128/(h-8)^3 - 16/(h-8)^2? if you meant that, then the (h-8)^3 comes from multiplying (h-8) times ( h-8)^2, what you do is you add the exponents.

It is like x times x, you add the exponents if the bases are the same, it becomes x^2, 5 times 5 is 5^2.
 
I'll be right back. I'm at school right now and bell is going to ring soon. Thanks for the replies, I'll look into it once I get home.
 
2h+( \frac{16}{h-8} + 2 ) ( \frac{-8}{(h-8)^2} )

let x = \frac{-8}{(h-8)^2}, then:

2h+( \frac{16}{h-8} + 2 ) x

2h+ \frac{16}{h-8} \times x + 2 \times x

sub x = \frac{-8}{(h-8)^2} back in:

2h+ \frac{16}{h-8} \times \frac{-8}{(h-8)^2} + 2 \times \frac{-8}{(h-8)^2}

2h+ \frac{16 \times (-8)}{(h-8) \times (h-8)^2} + \frac{2 \times (-8)}{(h-8)^2}

2h+ \frac{-128}{(h-8)^3} + \frac{-16}{(h-8)^2}

Does that clear it up?
 
Last edited:

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