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Simplify each complex rational expression by the method of your choice. $$\frac{x-5+\frac{3}{x}}{x-7+\frac{2}{x}}$$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The simplified form of the complex rational expression \(\frac{x-5+\frac{3}{x}}{x-7+\frac{2}{x}}\) by the chosen method is \(\frac{x^2 - 5x + 3}{x^2 - 7x + 2}\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify the least common multiple (LCM)

The LCM of \(x\) is \(x\) itself. We'll multiply the entire function by \(x\).
02

Multiply entire expression by LCM

The expression becomes \(\frac{x(x-5) + 3}{x(x-7) + 2}\), which simplifies to \(\frac{x^2 - 5x + 3}{x^2 - 7x + 2}\).
03

Factorize the expressions if possible

On trying to factorize both the numerator and denominator expressions, it's evident that they cannot be factorized. Hence, the simplified expression remains as \(\frac{x^2 - 5x + 3}{x^2 - 7x + 2}\).

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Key Concepts

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

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
When working with algebraic expressions, simplification is the process of making the expression as straightforward as possible. This can involve combining like terms, reducing fractions, and eliminating any unnecessary complexity.

For instance, consider the complex rational expression \(\frac{x-5+\frac{3}{x}}{x-7+\frac{2}{x}}\). Simplifying this involves finding a common denominator for the fractions within the larger expression, allowing us to combine terms.

In the exercise given, to simplify the expression, one common approach is to eliminate the smaller fractions within the numerator and the denominator. By multiplying them by a common denominator, in this case, \(x\), we integrate these fractions with the rest of the expression. Once that's done, we get a single rational expression: \(\frac{x^2 - 5x + 3}{x^2 - 7x + 2}\). The expression is now simpler because it's a single fraction with polynomial terms, which is usually easier to evaluate or further manipulate if needed.
Least Common Multiple
The Least Common Multiple (LCM) is a fundamental concept in dealing with fractions and is extensively helpful when simplifying complex rational expressions. The LCM of two or more numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of all of them.

In terms of algebra, when simplifying complex fractions, the LCM needs to account for any variables present. For the expression \(\frac{x-5+\frac{3}{x}}{x-7+\frac{2}{x}}\), the variable \(x\) is present in all parts of the expression, hence the LCM is \(x\) itself.

Multiplying the entire expression by the LCM, which in this case doesn't change the value of the expression—only its form—allows us to combine the separate fractions into one. It's like finding a common ground that allows all terms to come together harmoniously. This is crucial as it provides a seamless route to further simplify the expression.
Factorization
Factorization is a method that involves breaking down a complex expression into a product of simpler ones. With polynomials, this can mean transforming an equation into a set of factors that, when multiplied together, give you the original polynomial.

For our example, after simplifying we are left with \(\frac{x^2 - 5x + 3}{x^2 - 7x + 2}\). An attempt to factorize the numerator and denominator individually would be the logical next step—if they can be factorized. This would potentially simplify the complex rational expression even more, possibly allowing for the cancellation of common factors.

However, as indicated in the step by step solution for the given exercise, not all expressions can be neatly factorized. In such cases, the most 'simplified' form of the expression is the one where no further factorization is possible, which is the case with the expression we are left with: \(\frac{x^2 - 5x + 3}{x^2 - 7x + 2}\). Recognizing when an expression cannot be factorized is just as important as knowing how to factorize—it saves time and clarifies that you’ve reached the simplest form of the expression.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Perform the indicated operation or operations. Simplify the result, if possible. $$\frac{3}{x^{2}-49}+\frac{2}{x^{2}-15 x+56}-\frac{5}{x^{2}-x-56}$$

Add or subtract as indicated. Simplify the result, if possible. $$\frac{x+2}{y}+\frac{y-2}{x}$$

A company that manufactures wheelchairs has fixed costs of \(\$ 500,000 .\) The average cost per wheelchair, \(C,\) for the company to manufacture \(x\) wheelchairs per month is modeled by the formula $$ C=\frac{400 x+500,000}{x} $$ Use this mathematical model to solve Exercises \(69-70\). How many wheelchairs per month can be produced at an average cost of \(\$ 450\) per wheelchair?

Two formulas that approximate the dosage of a drug prescribed for children are $$ \begin{aligned} \text { Young's rule: } & C=\frac{D A}{A+12} \\ \text { and Cowling's rule: } & C=\frac{D(A+1)}{24} \end{aligned} $$ In each formula, \(A=\) the child's age, in years, \(D=\) an adult dosage, and \(C=\) the proper child's dosage. The formulas apply for ages 2 through \(13,\) inclusive. Use the formulas to solve Exercises \(93-96\) For a 12 -year-old child, what is the difference in the dosage given by Cowling's rule and Young's rule? Express the answer as a single rational expression in terms of \(D\) Then describe what your answer means in terms of the variables in the models.

A company that manufactures wheelchairs has fixed costs of \(\$ 500,000 .\) The average cost per wheelchair, \(C,\) for the company to manufacture \(x\) wheelchairs per month is modeled by the formula $$ C=\frac{400 x+500,000}{x} $$ Use this mathematical model to solve Exercises \(69-70\). How many wheelchairs per month can be produced at an average cost of \(\$ 405\) per wheelchair?

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