Simplifying rational functions with common factors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying rational functions that involve square roots, specifically the expressions [\sqrt{(X^2)+12}-4]/(X-2), (2-\sqrt{(X^2)-5})/(X+3), and (X-1)/(\sqrt{X+3}-2). The initial approach suggested multiplying both the numerator and denominator by a conjugate to eliminate the square root, but confusion arose regarding the simplification process. It was clarified that the given expressions do not qualify as rational functions due to the presence of square roots. Ultimately, the participant resolved the problems independently and acknowledged the misunderstanding about the nature of the functions. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing function types in algebraic simplification.
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Homework Statement



Simply these rational functions: [\sqrt{(X^2)+12}-4]/(X-2)

(2-\sqrt{(X^2)-5})/(X+3)

(X-1)/(\sqrt{X+3}-2)

Homework Equations



The only example in the book used the technique of multiplying the numerator and denominator by the function p(x) if p(x) is the function in the above equations with a square root in it, except they switched the sign.

The Attempt at a Solution



For example, for the equation [\sqrt{(X^2)+12}-4]/(X-2) you would multiply both sides by [\sqrt{(X^2)+12}+4], but this yields ([(x^2)+12]-16)/(X-2)(\sqrt{(X^2)-12}+4), which I'm not sure simplifies. Could you please explain how to solve these problems? Thank you.
 
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Nevermind, I figured out all the answers!
 
Did you figure out that those aren't rational functions?
 
Indeed I did.
 
Excellent!
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...

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