Simplify Expression: f(x) 1/x^2 -4, x+1 - x^2/x+2

[slywolf1992]

Homework Statement

simplify the expression: f(x) = x+1 - x^2/x+2,
1/x^2 -4

Homework Equations

leaving the answer as a quadratic polynomial.

1. = 3x^2 + 4x + 4
2. = x^2-4x + 4
3. x^2 -4x - 4
4. 3x^2 +4x - 4
5. x^2 +4x - 4
6. 3x^2 -4x -4

The Attempt at a Solution

I got 6 but I think that is wrong. The comma is confusing me. Please help.

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Ray Vickson]

Homework Statement

simplify the expression: f(x) = x+1 - x^2/x+2,
1/x^2 -4

Homework Equations

leaving the answer as a quadratic polynomial.

1. = 3x^2 + 4x + 4
2. = x^2-4x + 4
3. x^2 -4x - 4
4. 3x^2 +4x - 4
5. x^2 +4x - 4
6. 3x^2 -4x -4

The Attempt at a Solution

I got 6 but I think that is wrong. The comma is confusing me. Please help.

As written, your first expression means
$$x+1-\frac{x^2}{x}+2 = x+1-x+2 = 3.$$
Did you actually mean
$$x+1 - \frac{x^2}{x+2} \text{ or } \frac{x+1-x^2}{x+2}\,?$$
If you mean the first, write it as x+1 - x^2/(x+2) [note the bracket!]; if you mean the second, write it as (x + 1 - x^2)/(x+2) [Note both brackets.]

RGV

 

[slywolf1992]

I mean the first one.

 

[Ray Vickson]

I mean the first one.

OK, so re-writing what you wrote we now have x+1 - x^2/(x+2), 1/x^2-4. Does this mean two separate expressions (namely, x+1 - x^2/(x+2) and either (1/x^2) - 4 or 1/(x^2-4)), or does ...,1/x^2-4 stand for something else that I cannot figure out?

RGV

 

[slywolf1992]

That's what is bothering me. The comma makes no sense. Do you mind telling me your email so I can just email the picture I snapped of the problem? It might make more sense to see it as is. If not, do you know how I can link a photo to the forum post?

 

[Mentallic]

There's an insert image button just underneath the smiley in your reply options. I think you'll need to upload the image onto the net though, using imageshack or some other site.

 

[jtbell]

You can also upload an image to PF and "attach" it to your post, provided it meets certain size restrictions. Use the "Manage Attachments" button below the message-entry pane. You'll see the size restrictions then.