Chapter 7: Problem 29
Perform the indicated operation. Simplify, if possible. $$ \frac{2}{x+5}+\frac{3}{4 x} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\frac{t-4}{t+3}\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the common denominator
Both fractions have the common denominator \(\(t^2+6t+9\)\). Recognize that they can be combined into a single fraction.
02
Combine the fractions
Add the numerators of the fractions while keeping the denominator the same: \(\(\frac{t^2-3t+2t-12}{t^2+6t+9}\).\)
03
Simplify the numerator
Combine like terms in the numerator: \(\(t^2 -3t + 2t - 12 = t^2 - t - 12\).\)So the fraction now is \(\(\frac{t^2 - t - 12}{t^2 + 6t + 9}\).\)
04
Factor both the numerator and the denominator
The numerator can be factored as \(\(t^2 - t - 12 = (t - 4)(t + 3)\).\)The denominator can be factored as \(\(t^2 + 6t + 9 = (t + 3)(t + 3) = (t + 3)^2\).\)
05
Simplify the fraction
Once the numerator and denominator are factored, write them as\(\(\frac{(t-4)(t+3)}{(t+3)(t+3)}\)\).Cancel out the common factor \(\(t+3\)\) in the numerator and denominator. This simplifies to \(\(\frac{t-4}{t+3}\).\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Common Denominator
When working with fractions, it's essential to have a common denominator. This allows you to combine them easily. In this exercise, both fractions already share the same denominator, \(t^2 + 6t + 9\). This simplifies our work because we don't need to find a new common denominator.
When fractions have the same denominator,
When fractions have the same denominator,
- You can add or subtract the numerators directly.
- The denominator remains unchanged.
Simplify Fractions
Simplifying fractions makes them easier to understand and work with. After combining fractions, the next step is simplification. Let's take the expression \(\frac{t^2 - 3t + 2t - 12}{t^2 + 6t + 9}\). You need to:
- Combine like terms in the numerator.
- Factor both the numerator and the denominator.
Combine Like Terms
Combining like terms helps simplify expressions. In our example, the terms in the numerator are \(t^2 - 3t + 2t - 12\). You need to group terms with the same variables together:
- Combine \(t^2\) terms.
- Combine \(t\) terms: \(-3t + 2t\).
- Combine constant terms: \(-12\).
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials is an important technique in algebra. It involves breaking down a polynomial into simpler components (factors). In our example, you need to factor both the numerator and the denominator:
For the numerator \(t^2 - t - 12\):
For the numerator \(t^2 - t - 12\):
- Find two numbers that multiply to -12 and add to -1 (coefficients of \(t^2\) and \(t\).
- These numbers are -4 and 3.
- Write it as \((t - 4)(t + 3)\).
- Find two numbers that multiply to 9 and add to 6.
- These numbers are 3 and 3.
- Write it as \((t + 3)(t + 3) = (t + 3)^2\).