Solving Exponents: Dividing \frac{xa+b}{xa-2b}

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gregory.gags
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Exponents
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around simplifying the expression \(\frac{(xa+b)a-b}{(xa-2b)a+2b}\). Participants express confusion about how to manipulate the terms, with one suggesting that the addition and subtraction might cancel out, leading to a simplified form of \(\frac{x}{x}\). Another participant attempts to propose an alternative expression but acknowledges uncertainty in their approach. Technical issues with LaTeX rendering are also mentioned, indicating a need for clearer formatting. Overall, the conversation highlights challenges in understanding and simplifying complex algebraic fractions.
Gregory.gags
Messages
31
Reaction score
2
\frac{(x<sup>a+b</sup>)<sup>a-b</sup>}{(x<sup>a-2b</sup>)<sup>a+2b</sup>}

I figured since there is one addition and one subtraction of the same amounts in and out of the brackets, they would cancel each other out leaving just \frac{x}{x} which would be 1 (or possibly x?) but I really have absolutely no idea.

also, and this is a long shot, I'm just guessing now that it could be something along the lines of...

\frac{x<sup>a+b(a-b)</sup>}{x<sup>a-2b(a+2b)</sup>}??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
wow, I don't know why the fraction is like that but i hope you get what I'm trying to say :P (the left {} is the numerator and the right {} is the denominator )
 
Gregory.gags said:
\frac{(x<sup>a+b</sup>)<sup>a-b</sup>}{(x<sup>a-2b</sup>)<sup>a+2b</sup>}

I figured since there is one addition and one subtraction of the same amounts in and out of the brackets, they would cancel each other out leaving just \frac{x}{x} which would be 1 (or possibly x?) but I really have absolutely no idea.

also, and this is a long shot, I'm just guessing now that it could be something along the lines of...

\frac{x<sup>a+b(a-b)</sup>}{x<sup>a-2b(a+2b)</sup>}??

This last part is what you want to do, since (xa)b = xab.
The reason that your LaTeX expressions aren't rendering correctly is that (I believe) you are mixing in HTML stuff (SUP) with the LaTeX stuff. You're also missing some parentheses.

This is what you want.

$$ \frac{x^{(a+b)(a-b)}}{x^{(a-2b)(a+2b)}}$$
 
Back
Top