Understanding Fraction Simplification

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    Confusing Fractions
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of the expression $$\frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}$$ and its relation to the expression $$\frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}$$. Participants explore the steps involved in this transformation, particularly in the context of integration and the convergence of an improper integral.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the transformation from $$\frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}$$ to $$\frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}$$ and request a step-by-step explanation.
  • One participant clarifies that the original expression can be rewritten as $$\left( 1 + x \right)^{-\frac{1}{4}}$$ and suggests that the inquiry may relate to antiderivatives.
  • There is a discussion about the divergence of the integral, with one participant suggesting that the expression leads to divergence due to the limit approaching infinity.
  • Another participant questions the reasoning behind the claim of divergence, asking for clarification on what is being referred to as divergent.
  • A later reply indicates that the original problem involves determining the convergence or divergence of an improper integral, which was not initially clear.
  • One participant concludes that the integral is divergent based on their reasoning about the behavior of the expression as it approaches infinity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of divergence and the steps involved in the simplification. Multiple viewpoints regarding the transformation and the nature of the integral remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the conditions under which the integral is evaluated and the implications of the transformations discussed. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the definitions and properties of convergence in this context.

shamieh
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Confused on how we go from

$$\frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}$$ to $$\frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}$$

Can someone please show me step-by-step. I need to see the basic steps.

Thanks in advance.
 
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shamieh said:
Confused on how we go from

$$\frac{1}{^4\sqrt{1 + x}}$$ to $$\frac{4}{3}(1 + x)^\frac{3}{4}$$

Can someone please show me step-by-step. I need to see the basic steps.

Thanks in advance.

These things are NOT the same, so you can't "convert" them...

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} \frac{1}{\sqrt[4]{1 + x}} &= \frac{1}{ \left( 1 + x \right) ^{\frac{1}{4}} } \\ &= \left( 1 + x \right) ^{-\frac{1}{4}} \end{align*}$

It APPEARS though that you are trying to ANTIDIFFERENTIATE (Integrate) this function, which you should be able to do now...
 
Ahh! Thank you!(Yes)

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And this particular problem would be divergent since you would get $$a^{3/4}$$which is > 1 correct?
 
shamieh said:
Ahh! Thank you!(Yes)

- - - Updated - - -

And this particular problem would be divergent since you would get $$a^{3/4}$$which is > 1 correct?

What on EARTH are you talking about? WHAT is divergent? WHAT are you actually trying to do with this question?
 
Oh sorry the original problem is the equation up top as $$\int^\infty_0$$ and it's improper so i rewrote it as $$\int^a_0$$ thus; $$\lim_{a\to\infty}$$ and I ended up with a underneath the $$\sqrt{} $$to the $$^3$$ power.

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The initial question of the problem was Determine whether or not the integral is convergent or divergent. Sorry, forgot to include that.

So essentially I had this $$\lim_{a\to\infty} \frac{4}{3}(1 + a)^{3/4} - \frac{4}{3}$$ so I'm guessing since it's $$\infty$$ in the square root it's always going to keep growing no matter what and be Divergent
 

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