Comparison of Simplified Expressions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 134 views

Introduction

Algebraic expressions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and simplifying them is a crucial skill for students to master. In this article, we will explore the differences between various algebraic expressions and provide step-by-step solutions to simplify them. We will examine five different expressions and compare their simplified forms.

Expression A: $\frac{x+9}{12x} - \frac{23}{14x}$

To simplify Expression A, we need to find a common denominator for the two fractions. The least common multiple (LCM) of 12x and 14x is 84x. We can rewrite each fraction with the common denominator:

\frac{x+9}{12x} - \frac{23}{14x} = \frac{(x+9)(7)}{84x} - \frac{23(6)}{84x}

Now, we can combine the two fractions:

\frac{(x+9)(7) - 23(6)}{84x} = \frac{7x + 63 - 138}{84x} = \frac{7x - 75}{84x}

Expression B: $\frac{7x+201}{84x}$

Expression B can be simplified by factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The GCF of 7x and 84x is 7x. We can rewrite the expression as:

\frac{7x+201}{84x} = \frac{7(x+29)}{84x}

However, we can further simplify the expression by canceling out the common factor of 7x:

\frac{7(x+29)}{84x} = \frac{x+29}{12x}

Expression C: $\frac{7x-75}{84x^2}$

Expression C can be simplified by factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The GCF of 7x and 84x^2 is 7x. We can rewrite the expression as:

\frac{7x-75}{84x^2} = \frac{7(x-15/2)}{84x^2}

However, we can further simplify the expression by canceling out the common factor of 7x:

\frac{7(x-15/2)}{84x^2} = \frac{x-15/2}{12x}

Expression D: $\frac{7x-75}{84x}$

Expression D can be simplified by factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The GCF of 7x and 84x is 7x. We can rewrite the expression as:

\frac{7x-75}{84x} = \frac{7(x-15/2)}{84x}

However, we can further simplify the expression by canceling out the common factor of 7x:

\frac{7(x-15/2)}{84x} = \frac{x-15/2}{12x}

Expression E: $\frac{7x+201}{84x^2}$

Expression E can be simplified by factoring out the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The GCF of 7x and 84x^2 is 7x. We can rewrite the expression as:

\frac{7x+201}{84x^2} = \frac{7(x+29)}{84x^2}

However, we can further simplify the expression by canceling out the common factor of 7x:

\frac{7(x+29)}{84x^2} = \frac{x+29}{12x}

Comparison of Simplified Expressions

Now that we have simplified each expression, let's compare the results:

Expression A: $\frac{7x - 75}{84x}$
Expression B: $\frac{x+29}{12x}$
Expression C: $\frac{x-15/2}{12x}$
Expression D: $\frac{x-15/2}{12x}$
Expression E: $\frac{x+29}{12x}$

As we can see, Expressions B, C, D, and E all simplify to the same expression: $\frac{x+29}{12x}$ . This means that these four expressions are equivalent and can be used interchangeably.

Conclusion

Simplifying algebraic expressions is an essential skill for students to master. By understanding the differences between various expressions and how to simplify them, students can build a strong foundation in mathematics. In this article, we explored five different expressions and compared their simplified forms. We found that Expressions B, C, D, and E all simplify to the same expression, while Expression A simplifies to a different expression. By mastering the skills of simplifying algebraic expressions, students can tackle complex mathematical problems with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Simplifying algebraic expressions is a crucial skill for students to master.
The greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator can be used to simplify expressions.
Canceling out common factors can help simplify expressions.
Expressions B, C, D, and E all simplify to the same expression: $\frac{x+29}{12x}$ .
Expression A simplifies to a different expression: $\frac{7x - 75}{84x}$ .

Q: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) and how is it used to simplify expressions?

A: The greatest common factor (GCF) is the largest factor that divides both the numerator and denominator of an expression. It is used to simplify expressions by canceling out common factors. For example, in the expression $\frac{12x}{18x}$ , the GCF is 6x, which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{2}{3}$ .

Q: How do I find the GCF of two numbers?

A: To find the GCF of two numbers, you can list the factors of each number and find the largest factor they have in common. For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, and the factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18. The largest factor they have in common is 6, so the GCF of 12 and 18 is 6.

Q: Can I simplify an expression by canceling out a common factor if it is not the GCF?

A: No, you cannot simplify an expression by canceling out a common factor if it is not the GCF. Canceling out a common factor that is not the GCF can result in an incorrect simplified expression. For example, in the expression $\frac{12x}{18x}$ , canceling out the common factor of 2 would result in the simplified expression $\frac{6}{9}$ , which is incorrect.

Q: How do I know if an expression can be simplified?

A: An expression can be simplified if it has a common factor in the numerator and denominator. To determine if an expression can be simplified, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out.

Q: Can I simplify an expression with variables?

A: Yes, you can simplify an expression with variables. To simplify an expression with variables, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out. For example, in the expression $\frac{2x}{4x}$ , the common factor is 2x, which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: How do I simplify an expression with fractions?

A: To simplify an expression with fractions, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out. For example, in the expression $\frac{1/2}{3/4}$ , the common factor is 1/2, which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{1}{3/2}$ , which is equivalent to $\frac{2}{3}$ .

Q: Can I simplify an expression with decimals?

A: Yes, you can simplify an expression with decimals. To simplify an expression with decimals, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out. For example, in the expression $\frac{0.5}{0.75}$ , the common factor is 0.25, which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{2}{3}$ .

Q: How do I know if an expression is already simplified?

A: An expression is already simplified if it has no common factors in the numerator and denominator. To determine if an expression is already simplified, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and check if they can be canceled out.

Q: Can I simplify an expression with negative numbers?

A: Yes, you can simplify an expression with negative numbers. To simplify an expression with negative numbers, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out. For example, in the expression $\frac{-2x}{-4x}$ , the common factor is 2x, which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: How do I simplify an expression with exponents?

A: To simplify an expression with exponents, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out. For example, in the expression $\frac{2^3}{2^4}$ , the common factor is 2^3, which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: Can I simplify an expression with radicals?

A: Yes, you can simplify an expression with radicals. To simplify an expression with radicals, look for common factors in the numerator and denominator and cancel them out. For example, in the expression $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{4}}$ , the common factor is $\sqrt{2}$ , which can be canceled out to simplify the expression to $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ , which is equivalent to $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$ .

Conclusion

Simplifying algebraic expressions is an essential skill for students to master. By understanding the concepts of greatest common factor (GCF), canceling out common factors, and simplifying expressions with variables, fractions, decimals, negative numbers, exponents, and radicals, students can build a strong foundation in mathematics. In this article, we have provided answers to frequently asked questions about simplifying algebraic expressions, and we hope that this information will be helpful to students and educators alike.