/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 24 Simplify each expression. $$ ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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Simplify each expression. $$ \frac{7}{k-2}-\frac{5}{2(k-2)} $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
\(\frac{9}{2(k-2)}\)

Step by step solution

01

Identify a common denominator

Observe that the denominators are different. The first fraction has the denominator \(k-2\), and the second fraction has the denominator \(2(k-2)\). The common denominator is \(2(k-2)\).
02

Adjust the first fraction

To combine the fractions, we need to rewrite the first fraction with the common denominator. Multiply the numerator and the denominator of the first fraction by 2: \(\frac{7}{k-2} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{14}{2(k-2)}\).
03

Subtract the fractions

Now that both fractions have the same denominator, subtract the second fraction from the first: \(\frac{14}{2(k-2)} - \frac{5}{2(k-2)}\). Subtract the numerators and keep the common denominator: \(\frac{14-5}{2(k-2)} = \frac{9}{2(k-2)}\).
04

Simplify the expression

The simplified expression is \(\frac{9}{2(k-2)}\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Common Denominator
When dealing with algebraic fractions, identifying a common denominator is essential. It allows us to combine fractions that have different denominators. In the given exercise, we have two fractions with denominators of \(k-2\) and \(2(k-2)\). To achieve a common denominator, we should look for the least common multiple of these denominators. Thankfully, since \(2(k-2)\) already includes \(k-2\), our common denominator is simply \(2(k-2)\). Now, both fractions can be expressed using this common denominator, making further operations straightforward.
Fraction Subtraction
Subtraction of fractions is slightly trickier than addition. Once the fractions share a common denominator, you only subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator consistent. In the example, after converting the first fraction to have the same denominator as the second, we proceed to subtract the numerators: \(14 - 5\). This results in \(9\), which we then place over our common denominator of \(2(k-2)\). Hence, we get the combined fraction \(\frac{9}{2(k-2)}\).
Algebraic Fractions
Algebraic fractions resemble numerical fractions, but they contain variables in their numerators, denominators, or both. Handling algebraic fractions requires the same principles as numerical fractions. However, special attention is necessary when variables are involved as denominators cannot equal zero. For example, in \(\frac{7}{k-2}\), \(k\) cannot be \(2\) because it would make the denominator zero, causing the fraction to be undefined. Always consider these restrictions to avoid mathematical errors.
Simplification Steps
At the core of simplifying algebraic expressions are concise, clear steps:
  • Identify a common denominator for all fractions involved.
  • Adjust the numerators to reflect this common denominator.
  • Perform the subtraction or addition operation on the numerators.
  • Combine the result into a single fraction with the common denominator.
  • Simplify the final expression, if possible.
Taking the example given:
  • We identified \(2(k-2)\) as the common denominator.
  • Adjusted the first fraction by multiplying by the necessary factor to match this denominator.
  • Subtracted the numerators \(14 - 5\) to get \(9\).
  • Placed this result over the common denominator to get \(\frac{9}{2(k-2)}\).
This systematic approach ensures accuracy and clarity in solving algebraic fractions.

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