Chapter 6: Problem 41
Perform the indicated operations and simplify. For Exercises \(33,34,39,\) and \(40,\) check the solution with a graphing calculator. $$\frac{\frac{x}{y}-\frac{y}{x}}{1+\frac{y}{x}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified form is \( \frac{x-y}{y} \).
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite Complex Fractions
Begin by rewriting the given expression to make it easier to simplify. The complex fraction is: \( \frac{\frac{x}{y}-\frac{y}{x}}{1+\frac{y}{x}} \). This can be rewritten as two separate parts: the numerator \( \frac{x}{y} - \frac{y}{x} \) and the denominator \( 1 + \frac{y}{x} \).
02
Find a Common Denominator for the Numerator
In the numerator \( \frac{x}{y} - \frac{y}{x} \), find a common denominator for the two fractions. The common denominator is \( yx \). Rewrite each term: \( \frac{x}{y} = \frac{x^2}{yx} \) and \( \frac{y}{x} = \frac{y^2}{yx} \). Thus, the numerator becomes: \( \frac{x^2 - y^2}{yx} \).
03
Simplify the Denominator
The denominator is \( 1 + \frac{y}{x} \). Rewrite this to have a common denominator: \( \frac{x}{x} + \frac{y}{x} = \frac{x + y}{x} \).
04
Divide the Fractions
Now that we have the numerator \( \frac{x^2 - y^2}{yx} \) and the denominator \( \frac{x + y}{x} \), rewrite the given complex fraction: \( \frac{\frac{x^2 - y^2}{yx}}{\frac{x + y}{x}} \). To divide the fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the denominator: \( \frac{x^2 - y^2}{yx} \times \frac{x}{x + y} \).
05
Simplify the Expression
Cancel common terms in the fractions: \( x \) in the numerator and \( x \) in the denominator, and \( x + y \) in the denominator. The simplified form becomes: \( \frac{x^2 - y^2}{y(x + y)} \).
06
Recognize the Difference of Squares
Note that the term \( x^2 - y^2 \) in the numerator is a difference of squares, which can be factored: \( (x-y)(x+y) \). Substitute back into the expression: \( \frac{(x-y)(x+y)}{y(x + y)} \).
07
Simplify Further if Possible
Cancel \( (x+y) \) from the numerator and the denominator. The final simplified expression is \( \frac{x-y}{y} \).
08
Verification with a Graphing Calculator
To verify the solution, input the original expression \( \frac{\frac{x}{y} - \frac{y}{x}}{1 + \frac{y}{x}} \) and the simplified expression \( \frac{x-y}{y} \) into a graphing calculator. Both should yield the same graphical representation and table values for various numerical values of \( x \) and \( y \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Complex Fractions
Complex fractions can seem a bit intimidating at first glance, but they are simply fractions within fractions. Imagine a fraction as a sandwich, and complex fractions are like a sandwich with multiple layers. The exercise we’re looking at has the complex fraction:
- The numerator: \(\frac{x}{y} - \frac{y}{x}\)
- The denominator: \(1 + \frac{y}{x}\)
Difference of Squares
A crucial algebraic identity is the difference of squares, written as \(a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)\). It's a gem of algebra that allows us to factor certain expressions beautifully. In our exercise, you’ll notice the numerator is \(x^2 - y^2\). This fits perfectly with the difference of squares formula, making it quickly recognizable and factorizable.
- Recognize the pattern: \(x^2 - y^2\)
- Apply the formula: \((x-y)(x+y)\)
Graphing Calculators
Graphing calculators are fantastic tools in a mathematician’s toolkit. They not only help in checking solutions visually but are also great for understanding the behavior of functions. In our problem, the graphing calculator acts like a buddy who helps verify our calculations.
- Graph the original and simplified expression
- Check if they overlap perfectly
Simplification Steps
The process of simplification is like decluttering a messy room. Initially, the pile of algebraic expressions might seem overwhelming, but taking it step-by-step transforms chaos into order. Here’s a recap of how simplification works like a charm:
- Step 1: Separate and rewrite into simpler fractions
- Step 2: Find a common denominator
- Step 3: Simplify or factor the terms wherever applicable utilizing identities
- Step 4: Cancel out common terms across numerator and denominator