Chapter 7: Problem 42
Perform each indicated operation. Simplify if possible. \(\frac{5}{(x+1)(x+5)}-\frac{2}{(x+5)^{2}}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \(\frac{3x + 23}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Common Denominator
Identify the common denominator for the fractions. The denominators are \((x+1)(x+5)\) and \((x+5)^2\). The common denominator will be \((x+1)(x+5)^2\).
02
Adjust the First Fraction
Transform the first fraction to have the common denominator: \(\frac{5}{(x+1)(x+5)}\) becomes \(\frac{5(x+5)}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\). Multiply the numerator by \((x+5)\).
03
Adjust the Second Fraction
Transform the second fraction to have the common denominator: \(\frac{2}{(x+5)^2}\) becomes \(\frac{2(x+1)}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\). Multiply the numerator by \((x+1)\).
04
Combine the Fractions
Both fractions now have the same denominator, allowing them to be combined: \(\frac{5(x+5) - 2(x+1)}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\).
05
Simplify the Numerator
Perform the subtraction in the numerator: \((5x + 25) - (2x + 2)\) simplifies to \(3x + 23\). The combined expression becomes \(\frac{3x + 23}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\).
06
Final Simplification and Solution
Check for any common factors in the simplified fraction. There are no common factors between \(3x + 23\) and \((x+1)(x+5)^2\), so the expression is simplified as \(\frac{3x + 23}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Denominator
Finding a common denominator is like finding a shared foundation. It allows us to combine fractions into a single expression. Let's explore this concept using our example fractions. We need to identify the least common denominator (LCD) for the denominators
- \((x+1)(x+5)\)
- \((x+5)^2\)
- \((x+1)(x+5)^2\)
Fraction Subtraction
Subtracting fractions is straightforward once they share a common denominator. Think of it as subtracting the numerators while keeping the denominator constant. Here’s how it applies to our exercise:First, rewrite each fraction with the common denominator:
- The first fraction, \(\frac{5}{(x+1)(x+5)}\), becomes \(\frac{5(x+5)}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\). The numerator is adjusted by multiplying it with \((x+5)\).
- The second fraction, \(\frac{2}{(x+5)^2}\), becomes \(\frac{2(x+1)}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\). This time, multiply the numerator by \((x+1)\).
- Combine the numerators: \(5(x+5) - 2(x+1)\)
- Keep the common denominator: \((x+1)(x+5)^2\)
Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying an expression is the art of making it as uncomplicated as possible, without changing its value. After subtracting the numerators, the expression to simplify is \(\frac{(5x + 25) - (2x + 2)}{(x+1)(x+5)^2}\).
By simplifying, we make the expression easier to understand and use in further calculations.
- First, simplify the numerator: perform the subtraction to get \(3x + 23\).
- Check for common factors between the numerator and the denominator. If any exist, cancel them out.
By simplifying, we make the expression easier to understand and use in further calculations.