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

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The discussion revolves around simplifying the algebraic expression (6x^2+5x-6)/(6x^2+13x+6) multiplied by (3x^2-4x-4)/(3x^2-8x+4). Participants confirm that after factoring, common factors can be canceled out, leading to a simplified result. The final expression simplifies to 1, indicating that the original fractions are equivalent. There is also a brief exploration of how the expression changes if addition is used instead of multiplication, with participants noting the differences in simplification. The conversation highlights the importance of careful factoring and cancellation in algebraic fractions.
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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
 
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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!
 
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