Try It 7.51: Simplifying by Writing it as Division
To simplify the complex rational expression by writing it as division, perform the following steps:
Step 1. Simplify the numerator and denominator. The common denominator for the separate expressions in the numerator and denominator is . Numerator: Multiply by and by to add them: . Denominator: Multiply by and by to subtract them: . The complex fraction becomes .
Step 2. Rewrite as division. Translate the main fraction bar into division: .
Step 3. Multiply by the reciprocal and simplify. Change the division operator to multiplication by using the reciprocal: . Divide out the common polynomial factor of from the numerator and denominator. The final simplified expression is .
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Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax
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