Chapter 0: Problem 120
Simplify the expression. $$ \frac{\frac{1}{x}+\frac{2}{x}}{\frac{1}{x-1}+\frac{x}{2}} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\frac{6(x-1)}{x(x^2-x+2)}\)
Step by step solution
01
Add fractions in the numerator
The numerator of the expression is \( \frac{1}{x} + \frac{2}{x} \). Since both terms have the same denominator, we can simply add the numerators to get: \[ \frac{1+2}{x} = \frac{3}{x}. \]
02
Simplify the denominator
The denominator of the expression is \( \frac{1}{x-1} + \frac{x}{2} \). To add these, we need a common denominator, which is \((x-1) \cdot 2 = 2(x-1)\). Rewriting each fraction: \[ \frac{1}{x-1} = \frac{2}{2(x-1)}, \quad \frac{x}{2} = \frac{x(x-1)}{2(x-1)}. \] Add these fractions: \[ \frac{2 + x(x-1)}{2(x-1)} = \frac{x^2-x+2}{2(x-1)}. \]
03
Write the simplified fraction
Combine the simplified numerator and denominator into a single fraction: \[ \frac{\frac{3}{x}}{\frac{x^2-x+2}{2(x-1)}}. \]
04
Simplify the complex fraction
To simplify \( \frac{\frac{3}{x}}{\frac{x^2-x+2}{2(x-1)}} \), we multiply by the reciprocal of the denominator: \[ \frac{3}{x} \cdot \frac{2(x-1)}{x^2-x+2}. \] This results in: \[ \frac{3 \cdot 2(x-1)}{x(x^2-x+2)} = \frac{6(x-1)}{x(x^2-x+2)}. \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Denominator
When simplifying rational expressions, one crucial step is finding a common denominator. This is a necessary step before you can add or subtract fractions. A common denominator is essentially a shared multiple of the denominators of each fraction involved.
- To find a common denominator, determine the least common multiple (LCM) of all the denominators.
- Rewrite each fraction so they share this common denominator.
- In our problem, the denominators in the denominator of the original expression are \( x-1 \) and \( 2 \). Their common denominator is the product \( 2(x-1) \).
Complex Fractions
Complex fractions are fractions where the numerator, denominator, or both are themselves fractions. Simplifying these involves several steps. A common method involves rewriting the complex fraction as a multiplication problem.
- Identify the main numerator and denominator of the complex fraction.
- Simplify each separately if needed, as you saw with the expression's numerator and denominator originally.
- Re-write the complex fraction as a division problem. For example, \( \frac{\frac{3}{x}}{\frac{x^2-x+2}{2(x-1)}} \) becomes a fraction multiplication: \( \frac{3}{x} \times \frac{2(x-1)}{x^2-x+2} \).
Algebraic Addition
Adding algebraic fractions utilizes the same principle as adding numerical fractions; the key lies in the denominators. Once a common denominator is established, addition can easily proceed by adjusting the numerators accordingly.
- If the fractions already share a common denominator, simply add the numerators.
- If not, find a common denominator first, as in aligning \( \frac{1}{x} + \frac{2}{x} \) into \( \frac{3}{x} \), giving the expression a unified base that allows direct addition.
- The process ensures precise simplification, allowing you to maintain the expression integrity.