Solving Algebraic Fractions: 6x^2+5x-6 & 3x^2-4x-4

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying algebraic fractions involving polynomials, specifically the expressions (6x^2+5x-6)/(6x^2+13x+6) and (3x^2-4x-4)/(3x^2-8x+4). Participants are exploring the simplification process and the potential for factoring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss factoring the polynomials and simplifying the resulting expressions. There are attempts to cancel common factors, and some express confusion about the simplification process and the correctness of their results.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various interpretations of the problem, with some participants suggesting that the expression simplifies to 1, while others question the accuracy of their own simplifications. There is no explicit consensus on the final outcome, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their simplifications, and there are mentions of different operations (multiplication vs. addition) affecting the outcome. The complexity of the expressions and potential mistakes in calculations are acknowledged.

aricho
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hey,
I am having trouble with the following...

(6x^2+5x-6)/(6x^2+13x+6) TIMES (3x^2-4x-4)/(3x^2-8x+4)

i can factorise them but i don't know what to do after that...

Thanks for your help
 
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You're meant to simplify the expression, yes?

Just cancel out the common factors. I don't think it can be simplified any further
 
yer, but what is left is nasty haha and its wrong
 
it simplifys all the way too 1 eventually doesn't it?
 
ummm nar...

this is what i can get to...
{(3x+3)(2x-2)/(2x+3)(3x+2)} + {(3x+2)(x-2)/(3x-2)(x-2)}

and the answer is...

{2(9x^2+4)}/(3x-2)(3x+2)

i just don't know how to get there haha
 
nice...it does...how about it with a plus instead of a multiply between the two factions
 
Hmm, I seem to get
\left( {\frac{{6x^2 + 5x - 6}}<br /> {{6x^2 + 13x + 6}}} \right)\left( {\frac{{3x^2 - 4x - 4}}<br /> {{3x^2 - 8x + 4}}} \right) = \left[ {\frac{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {2x - 3} \right)}}{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {2x + 3} \right)}}} \right]\left[ {\frac{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {x - 2} \right)}}{{\left( {3x - 2} \right)\left( {x - 2} \right)}}} \right] = \frac{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {2x - 3} \right)}}{{\left( {3x - 2} \right)\left( {2x + 3} \right)}}

aricho said:
nice...it does...how about it with a plus instead of a multiply between the two factions
Then I suppose?

\frac{{6x^2 + 5x - 6}}{{6x^2 + 13x + 6}} + \frac{{3x^2 - 4x - 4}}<br /> {{3x^2 - 8x + 4}} = \frac{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {2x - 3} \right)}}{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {2x + 3} \right)}} + \frac{{\left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {x - 2} \right)}}{{\left( {3x - 2} \right)\left( {x - 2} \right)}} = \frac{{\left( {2x - 3} \right)\left( {3x - 2} \right) + \left( {3x + 2} \right)\left( {2x + 3} \right)}}{{\left( {2x + 3} \right)\left( {3x - 2} \right)}} =
\frac{{2x - 3}}{{2x + 3}} + \frac{{3x + 2}}{{3x - 2}} = \frac{{12\left( {x^2 + 1} \right)}}{{\left( {2x + 3} \right)\left( {3x - 2} \right)}} = \frac{4}{{3x - 2}} - \frac{6}{{2x + 3}} + 2
 
Last edited:
is that with a plus in between the fractions?
 
Yes, LaTex doesn't clearly space out the signs :rolleyes:
 
  • #10
I believe it's a but simpler, perhaps you made some slight mistakes.

\frac{{6x^2 + 5x - 6}}<br /> {{6x^2 + 13x + 6}} \cdot \frac{{3x^2 - 4x - 4}}<br /> {{3x^2 - 8x + 4}} = \frac{{\left( {2x + 3} \right)\left( {3x - 2} \right)}}<br /> {{\left( {2x + 3} \right)\left( {3x + 2} \right)}} \cdot \frac{{\left( {x - 2} \right)\left( {3x + 2} \right)}}<br /> {{\left( {x - 2} \right)\left( {3x - 2} \right)}} = 1

Cancels out nicely :smile:
 
  • #11
hmmm, maybe the answer is wrong... it says {2(9x^2+4)}/(3x-2)(3x+2)
 
  • #12
or for the multiplication one you can expand the polynomial and the top clearly equals the bottom with reduced thinking needed!
 
Last edited:

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