Multiply the following fractional expression and simplify:
Answer:
In order to solve this problem, we first must factor the numerator and denominator of each fraction. Once they are factored the problem will look like the following:
Now it is time to multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators as follows:
It is obvious from the above that several factors can be cancelled. It is noted that the(a-1) factors can be cancelled from both numerator and denominator and one (a +4) can be cancelled from the numerator. The final simplified answer will look as follows:
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2 comments:
--we first must factor the numerator and denominator of each fraction.--
So how did you do that? A lot of math tutoring assumes someone knows how to do the basic steps. Without the basic steps explained the rest doesn't make sense.
There are several methods to factor a polynomial. To name a few:
1) Using the AC method
2) Using the Quadratic formula
3) Factoring out the Greatest common factor
4) Factoring by grouping.
In the first part of the problem, I used the AC method to factor the numerator and denominator.
I will be happy to email you a step by step explanation on how to do it if you send me your email address.
I also intend to write a posting about this in the near future to show how it is done.
Thanks for your comment
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