Adding
To add two rational expressions whose denominators are opposites, we can multiply one of the fractions by to create a common denominator. For example, consider the expression . Since and are opposites, we multiply the second fraction by :
Now the denominators are the same, and we can add the numerators:
This simple example illustrates the general principle that when denominators are opposites, multiplying one fraction by yields a common denominator, allowing for addition or subtraction.
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Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
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A logistics coordinator is calculating fuel efficiency using two formulas. One formula has a denominator of (g - 15) and the other has a denominator of (15 - g). Which identity allows the coordinator to rewrite (15 - g) to create a common denominator?
In a manufacturing quality control process, a technician compares two defect ratios. The first ratio has a denominator of (d - 12) and the second has a denominator of (12 - d). To rewrite the second ratio so it has the same denominator as the first, the technician must multiply both the numerator and the denominator of the second ratio by the integer ____.
A logistics manager is comparing two fuel consumption formulas. One formula has a denominator of (f - 50) and the other has a denominator of (50 - f). Match each mathematical term or identity to its role in combining these formulas.
A payroll specialist is comparing two formulas for calculating overtime pay. One formula has a denominator of and the other has a denominator of . True or False: The specialist can use the algebraic identity to begin the process of creating a common denominator.
An operations manager is combining two performance metric formulas. The first formula has a denominator of (p - 80), and the second has a denominator of (80 - p). Arrange the following steps in the correct order to rewrite these expressions so they share a common denominator of (p - 80).
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A facilities manager is comparing energy usage across two buildings. The formula for Building A has a denominator of (k - 100), and the formula for Building B has a denominator of (100 - k). According to the identity for opposite denominators, which of the following is equivalent to (100 - k)?
An HR coordinator is calculating employee turnover costs using two different formulas. The first formula contains the term and the second formula contains the term . To create a common denominator of , how should the coordinator rewrite the second term ?
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As an inventory analyst, you are calculating the net change in warehouse stock. The influx rate of a product is modeled by the expression and the outflow rate is modeled by , where is a variable representing time in days. To find the total net rate, you must evaluate the sum . Recall the mathematical procedure for adding rational expressions with opposite denominators by arranging the following steps in the correct order.
A HVAC technician is measuring the pressure differential between two points in a ventilation system. The pressure at the first point is modeled by psi, and the pressure at the second point is modeled by psi. To find the total pressure, the technician must calculate the sum . Which of the following is the simplified form of this sum?
An HVAC technician is balancing the pressure in a ventilation system by adding the expressions and . True or False: To create a common denominator of , the technician can multiply the second expression by to obtain .
A logistics coordinator is calculating the net throughput of a sorting facility. The inflow rate is modeled by units per minute, and the return rate is modeled by units per minute. To find the total net rate, the coordinator must evaluate the sum . Match each mathematical expression with the specific role it plays in the standard procedure for solving this sum.
A logistics coordinator is analyzing two shipping routes. The cost factor for the first route is modeled as and the cost factor for the second route is modeled as , where represents the delivery window in days. To find the total cost factor, the coordinator must add these two expressions. Recognizing that the denominators are exact opposites, the coordinator recalls that they can create a common denominator by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator of the second fraction by ____.