Simplifying Complex Fractions, final step

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying complex fractions, specifically focusing on the final steps of the process. Participants are examining various expressions and their simplifications, with particular attention to factoring and the implications of their manipulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are sharing their attempts at simplifying specific fractions, questioning the steps taken, and discussing the role of factoring in the simplification process. Some express uncertainty about the methods used and seek clarification on the reasoning behind certain steps.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing hints and guidance on factoring and simplification techniques. There is a recognition of the importance of understanding the underlying concepts, particularly factoring, which some participants feel has not been adequately covered in their coursework.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that they have not yet covered certain topics in their studies, such as factoring, which may affect their ability to simplify the expressions correctly. There is also mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the use of mathematical symbols in their work.

DS2C

Homework Statement



Please see attachment.

Homework Equations



I don't know how to get the final product on the ones with the question marks (textbook answers written next to them). I've gotten to the last step (except for # 29 but don't mind that one, I haven't exhausted all ideas). I've tried a bunch of ideas but none give me the given solution. I've also looked back at the prior steps but found no mistakes.
Any hints?

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Please see attachment.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3732.JPG
    IMG_3732.JPG
    27.4 KB · Views: 552
Physics news on Phys.org
Re uploaded for the proper orientation.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3732.JPG
    IMG_3732.JPG
    42.8 KB · Views: 522
If I can trust your steps, looking at #21, next to finish would be
(y-2+1)/(y^2-2y+1)

(y-1)/(y^2-2y+1)

(y-1)/((y-1)(y-1))

1/(y-1)
 
symbolipoint said:
If I can trust your steps, looking at #21, next to finish would be
(y-2+1)/(y^2-2y+1)

(y-1)/(y^2-2y+1)

(y-1)/((y-1)(y-1))

1/(y-1)

On this step, did you just factor the expression? That may explain why I couldn't get it. We've been jumping around in the book and haven't even gone over factoring yet.
 
#23 using just regular keyboard text,

(4y-8)/(4(6y-12))

(y-2)/(6y-12), and not simplifiable further from here
 
symbolipoint said:
#23 using just regular keyboard text,

(4y-8)/(4(6y-12))

(y-2)/(6y-12), and not simplifiable further from here
It can be simplified further --
##\frac{4(y - 2)}{4 \cdot 6(y - 2)} = \frac 1 6##, provided that ##y \ne 2##.

@DS2C, you are misusing the ##\Rightarrow## symbol in the work you posted. The expressions you're working with are equal to one another, so the proper connect is =.
The "implication" symbol, ##\Rightarrow## should be used one one statement being true implies that the following statement is true.

For example, ##x = 2 \Rightarrow x^2 = 4##. Notice that x = 2 and ##x^2 = 4## are equations (a type of statement). A statement can be true or false, depending on the value of a variable. OTOH ##\frac {4y - 8}{8y - 16}## is an expression, which has a numeric value.
 
DS2C said:
On this step, did you just factor the expression?
Yes, that's what he did, factoring ##y^2 - 2y + 1## to ##(y - 1)^2##.
DS2C said:
That may explain why I couldn't get it. We've been jumping around in the book and haven't even gone over factoring yet.
Factoring is at the heart of reducing rational expressions. Possibly your instructor is assuming that you've covered factoring in a previous course.
 
For #29, ax + ab = a(x + b) and ##x^2 - b^2 = (x - b)(x + b)##. The original expression simplifies to ##\frac a {x + b}##, provided that ##x \ne b##. (If x = b, the original rational expression is undefined, but the final result doesn't have x - b in the denominator, so you need to stipulate that x can't be equal to b.
 
Mark44 said:
It can be simplified further --
##\frac{4(y - 2)}{4 \cdot 6(y - 2)} = \frac 1 6##, provided that ##y \ne 2##.

@DS2C, you are misusing the ##\Rightarrow## symbol in the work you posted. The expressions you're working with are equal to one another, so the proper connect is =.
The "implication" symbol, ##\Rightarrow## should be used one one statement being true implies that the following statement is true.

For example, ##x = 2 \Rightarrow x^2 = 4##. Notice that x = 2 and ##x^2 = 4## are equations (a type of statement). A statement can be true or false, depending on the value of a variable. OTOH ##\frac {4y - 8}{8y - 16}## is an expression, which has a numeric value.
NOW I SEE. Denominator could be factored and then the next simplification.
 
  • #10
Thanks so much guys makes much more sense now that I've reviewed factoring.
Also @Mark44, thanks for pointing that misuse out. Honestly I didnt even know it was a real symbol. I made it up to show myself when a new step began rather than having a =. Ill just stick with the = symbol or something rather.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K