Problem stating: if A = x - 1/x, find A - 1/A

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To solve the problem A = x - 1/x and find A - 1/A, start by expressing A as a single fraction: A = (x^2 - 1)/x. Then, calculate 1/A as x/(x^2 - 1). The next step is to find A - 1/A by subtracting these two fractions, which involves finding a common denominator. Simplifying the resulting expression will lead to the final answer. The discussion highlights the importance of fraction simplification and finding a common denominator in algebraic problems.
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I have a math problem stating:
if A = x - 1/x, find A - 1/A

I have no clue as to how to solve this. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
 
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You have that:

A = x - 1/x
1/A = 1/(x - 1/x)

Then A - 1/A = what?
 
Muzza:
Im sure this is easy but I am completely missing the logic. I haven't done this kind of math in a while and hoping you could explain the logic.
 
Just simplify the fractions...

A = x - \frac {1}{x} = \frac{x^2 - 1}{x}

So, ~ 1/A = \frac {x} {x^2 -1}

So, ~A - 1/A = \frac{x^2 - 1}{x} - \frac {x} {x^2 -1}

Take the lcm and simplify.
 
Thanks Gokul43201:

Ok, now I got it.
 
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