Very simple Simplification Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter mike_302
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying the expression (2x^2 + 4x + 2)/(x + 1) to find l. The user successfully reduces the equation to 2(x^2 + 2x + 1) but struggles to see how to reach the final answer of 2(x + 1). Through guidance, they recognize that (x^2 + 2x + 1) is a perfect square, simplifying to (x + 1)^2. Ultimately, the expression simplifies to 2(x + 1). The thread highlights the importance of recognizing perfect squares in algebraic simplification.
mike_302
Messages
102
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



(2x^2+4x+2)/x+1 = l

Simplify the equation for l. I do not want to solve it, just simplify.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I actually reduced the equation this far already, and the back of the book says I have gotten the equation right up to this point, but then it gives the answer, but not the steps to get there. The ANSWER: 2(x+1) ... I do not understand how to get that .
 
Physics news on Phys.org
(2x^2+4x+2)=2(x^2+2x+1)

can you simplify (x^2+2x+1) further? (think of perfect squares)
 
OH! Ok, I got it. Thanks for the help! I can't believe I missed that.
 
(2x^{2}+4x+2)/(x+1)

(2(x^{2}+2x+1)/(x+1)

2(x+1)^{2}/(x+1)

2(x+1)
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...

Similar threads

Back
Top