Try It 7.52: Simplifying by Writing it as Division
To simplify the complex rational expression by writing it as division, proceed as follows:
Step 1. Simplify the numerator and denominator. In the numerator, the common denominator is : rewrite as . In the denominator, the common denominator is : rewrite as . This simplifies the overall structure to .
Step 2. Rewrite as division. Replace the main fraction bar with a division sign: .
Step 3. Multiply and factor. Multiply by the reciprocal: . Factor the difference of squares in the denominator to reveal common terms: . The expression expands to .
Step 4. Simplify. Divide out the common factors of and (recognizing that is equivalent to ). The remaining simplified expression is .
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Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
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