Not factoring the numerator and denominator

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

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Introduction

In mathematics, simplifying complex algebraic expressions is a crucial skill that helps us solve problems efficiently and accurately. This article will guide you through the process of simplifying a given complex expression involving fractions and division. We will break down the expression into manageable parts, apply the rules of algebra, and finally arrive at the simplest form of the expression.

The Given Expression

The given expression is:

$\frac{1-2x}{2x+1} + \frac{x^2+3x}{4x^2-1} \div \frac{3+x}{4x+2}$

Our goal is to simplify this expression and enter the answer in the simplest form.

Step 1: Simplify the First Fraction

Let's start by simplifying the first fraction:

$\frac{1-2x}{2x+1}$

To simplify this fraction, we can factor the numerator and denominator:

$\frac{1-2x}{2x+1} = \frac{-(2x-1)}{2x+1}$

Step 2: Simplify the Second Fraction

Next, let's simplify the second fraction:

$\frac{x^2+3x}{4x^2-1}$

We can factor the numerator and denominator:

$\frac{x^2+3x}{4x^2-1} = \frac{x(x+3)}{(2x-1)(2x+1)}$

Step 3: Simplify the Third Fraction

Now, let's simplify the third fraction:

$\frac{3+x}{4x+2}$

We can factor the numerator and denominator:

$\frac{3+x}{4x+2} = \frac{(x+3)}{2(2x+1)}$

Step 4: Perform the Division

Now that we have simplified the three fractions, we can perform the division:

$\frac{x(x+3)}{(2x-1)(2x+1)} \div \frac{(x+3)}{2(2x+1)}$

To perform the division, we can multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction:

$\frac{x(x+3)}{(2x-1)(2x+1)} \cdot \frac{2(2x+1)}{(x+3)}$

Step 5: Simplify the Expression

Now that we have performed the division, we can simplify the expression:

$\frac{x(x+3)}{(2x-1)(2x+1)} \cdot \frac{2(2x+1)}{(x+3)} = \frac{2x^2}{(2x-1)(2x+1)}$

Step 6: Add the Two Fractions

Finally, we can add the two fractions:

$\frac{1-2x}{2x+1} + \frac{2x^2}{(2x-1)(2x+1)}$

To add the two fractions, we need to find a common denominator:

$\frac{(1-2x)(2x-1)}{(2x+1)(2x-1)} + \frac{2x^2}{(2x-1)(2x+1)}$

Step 7: Simplify the Expression

Now that we have added the two fractions, we can simplify the expression:

$\frac{(1-2x)(2x-1)}{(2x+1)(2x-1)} + \frac{2x^2}{(2x-1)(2x+1)} = \frac{(1-2x)(2x-1) + 2x^2}{(2x+1)(2x-1)}$

Step 8: Expand the Numerator

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can expand the numerator:

$\frac{(1-2x)(2x-1) + 2x^2}{(2x+1)(2x-1)} = \frac{2x^2 - 3x + 1 + 2x^2}{(2x+1)(2x-1)}$

Step 9: Combine Like Terms

Now that we have expanded the numerator, we can combine like terms:

$\frac{2x^2 - 3x + 1 + 2x^2}{(2x+1)(2x-1)} = \frac{4x^2 - 3x + 1}{(2x+1)(2x-1)}$

Step 10: Factor the Numerator

Finally, we can factor the numerator:

$\frac{4x^2 - 3x + 1}{(2x+1)(2x-1)} = \frac{(2x-1)(2x-1)}{(2x+1)(2x-1)}$

Step 11: Cancel Common Factors

Now that we have factored the numerator, we can cancel common factors:

$\frac{(2x-1)(2x-1)}{(2x+1)(2x-1)} = \frac{2x-1}{2x+1}$

Conclusion

In this article, we have simplified a complex algebraic expression involving fractions and division. We have broken down the expression into manageable parts, applied the rules of algebra, and finally arrived at the simplest form of the expression. The final answer is:

$\boxed{\frac{2x-1}{2x+1}}$

This expression cannot be simplified further, and it is the simplest form of the given expression.

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Introduction

In our previous article, we simplified a complex algebraic expression involving fractions and division. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to simplifying complex algebraic expressions.

Q: What are the steps to simplify a complex algebraic expression?

A: To simplify a complex algebraic expression, follow these steps:

Simplify each fraction: Factor the numerator and denominator of each fraction and simplify.
Perform the division: Multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
Add the fractions: Find a common denominator and add the fractions.
Simplify the expression: Combine like terms and factor the numerator and denominator.
Cancel common factors: Cancel any common factors between the numerator and denominator.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying complex algebraic expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying complex algebraic expressions include:

Not factoring the numerator and denominator: Make sure to factor the numerator and denominator of each fraction to simplify.
Not finding a common denominator: When adding fractions, make sure to find a common denominator to add the fractions correctly.
Not canceling common factors: Make sure to cancel any common factors between the numerator and denominator to simplify the expression.

Q: How do I know when an expression is in its simplest form?

A: An expression is in its simplest form when:

There are no common factors between the numerator and denominator: Make sure that there are no common factors between the numerator and denominator.
The numerator and denominator are in their simplest form: Make sure that the numerator and denominator are in their simplest form, with no common factors.
The expression cannot be simplified further: Make sure that the expression cannot be simplified further by canceling common factors or combining like terms.

Q: What are some real-world applications of simplifying complex algebraic expressions?

A: Simplifying complex algebraic expressions has many real-world applications, including:

Physics and engineering: Simplifying complex algebraic expressions is essential in physics and engineering to solve problems involving motion, forces, and energy.
Computer science: Simplifying complex algebraic expressions is used in computer science to optimize algorithms and solve problems involving data structures and algorithms.
Economics: Simplifying complex algebraic expressions is used in economics to model economic systems and solve problems involving supply and demand.

Q: How can I practice simplifying complex algebraic expressions?

A: To practice simplifying complex algebraic expressions, try the following:

Practice problems: Practice simplifying complex algebraic expressions by working through practice problems.
Online resources: Use online resources, such as Khan Academy or Wolfram Alpha, to practice simplifying complex algebraic expressions.
Real-world applications: Apply simplifying complex algebraic expressions to real-world problems, such as physics, engineering, or economics.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to simplifying complex algebraic expressions. We have covered the steps to simplify a complex algebraic expression, common mistakes to avoid, and real-world applications of simplifying complex algebraic expressions. By following these steps and practicing simplifying complex algebraic expressions, you can become proficient in simplifying complex algebraic expressions and apply it to real-world problems.