Solve for Rational Term: 2x^2-1 Over x^2+1

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the expression $$\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}$$ and its equivalence to $$2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}$$. Participants explore different methods of deriving this equivalence, including algebraic manipulation and long division techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants demonstrate the equivalence through algebraic manipulation, showing step-by-step how to rewrite the expression.
  • Others provide an alternative method using long division to arrive at the same result, emphasizing that both methods yield the same conclusion.
  • There is a question raised about whether the algebraic manipulation is the only method to calculate the equivalence, suggesting a search for other possible approaches.
  • A participant compares the problem to a simpler division example, illustrating the concept of remainders in polynomial division.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the equivalence of the two expressions and the methods to derive it, but there is no consensus on whether other methods exist beyond those discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve whether there are additional methods to calculate the equivalence, leaving the exploration open-ended.

theakdad
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I have a question why is $$\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}$$ equal to $$2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}$$ ??
 
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wishmaster said:
U have a question why is $$\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}$$ equal to $$2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}$$ ??
\begin{aligned}
\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}
&= \frac{2x^2 + 2 - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1) - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1)}{x^2+1} - \frac 3{x^2+1}\\
&= 2-\frac{3}{x^2+1} \\
\end{aligned}
 
I like Serena said:
\begin{aligned}
\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}
&= \frac{2x^2 + 2 - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1) - 3}{x^2+1} \\
&= \frac{2(x^2 + 1)}{x^2+1} - \frac 3{x^2+1}\\
&= 2-\frac{3}{x^2+1} \\
\end{aligned}

thank you!

Is this the only way to caclulate it?
 
wishmaster said:
thank you!

Is this the only way to caclulate it?

It is similar to calculating:
\begin{aligned}
\frac 7 2
&= \frac {3\cdot 2 + 1}{2} \\
&= \frac {3\cdot 2} 2 + \frac{1}{2} \\
&= 3 + \frac 1 2
\end{aligned}
Just with more complicated expressions.Alternatively, you can say that if you divide $7$ by $2$, you get $3$ with a remainder of $7 - 3 \cdot 2 = 1$.
That is, $$\frac 7 2 = 3 + \frac 1 2$$.Similarly, you can say that if you divide $2x^2-1$ by $x^2 +1$, you get $2$, because the coefficient of $x^2$ is $2$.

The remainder is then $(2x^2 - 1) - 2(x^2+1) = 2x^2 - 1 - 2x^2 - 2 = -3$.
So
$$\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1} = 2 + \frac {-3}{x^2+1}$$

Note that this "other" method is really the same thing.
 
Hello, wishmaster!

\text{Why is }\,\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1}\,\text{ equal to }\,2-\frac{3}{x^2+1}\,?
Are you familiar with Long Division?

. . \begin{array}{cccccc}<br /> &amp;&amp;&amp;&amp; 2 \\<br /> &amp;&amp; --&amp;--&amp;-- \\<br /> x^2+1 &amp; | &amp; 2x^2 &amp;-&amp;1 \\<br /> &amp;&amp; 2x^2 &amp;+&amp; 2 \\<br /> &amp;&amp; --&amp;--&amp;-- \\<br /> &amp;&amp;&amp; - &amp; 3 \end{array}Therefore: .\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1} \;\;=\;\;2 - \frac{3}{x^2+1}
 
soroban said:
Hello, wishmaster!


Are you familiar with Long Division?

. . \begin{array}{cccccc}<br /> &amp;&amp;&amp;&amp; 2 \\<br /> &amp;&amp; --&amp;--&amp;-- \\<br /> x^2+1 &amp; | &amp; 2x^2 &amp;-&amp;1 \\<br /> &amp;&amp; 2x^2 &amp;+&amp; 2 \\<br /> &amp;&amp; --&amp;--&amp;-- \\<br /> &amp;&amp;&amp; - &amp; 3 \end{array}Therefore: .\frac{2x^2-1}{x^2+1} \;\;=\;\;2 - \frac{3}{x^2+1}
Thank you all for the help! I have studied those kind of problems,so now i know how to do it!
 

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