In Exercises 15–32, multiply or divide as indicated. (x3−25x)/4x2 ⋅ (2x2−2)/(x2−6x+5) ÷ (x2+5x)/(7x+7)
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Factorize all the polynomials in the given expression. For the numerator and denominator of the first fraction: \(x^3 - 25x\) can be factored as \(x(x^2 - 25)\), and \(x^2 - 25\) can be further factored as \((x - 5)(x + 5)\). The denominator \(4x^2\) remains as is.
For the second fraction: \(2x^2 - 2\) can be factored as \(2(x^2 - 1)\), and \(x^2 - 1\) can be further factored as \((x - 1)(x + 1)\). The denominator \(x^2 - 6x + 5\) factors as \((x - 5)(x - 1)\).
For the third fraction (which is part of the division): \(x^2 + 5x\) can be factored as \(x(x + 5)\), and \(7x + 7\) can be factored as \(7(x + 1)\).
Rewrite the division problem as multiplication by the reciprocal of the third fraction. This means flipping the numerator and denominator of the third fraction. The expression becomes: \[ \frac{x(x - 5)(x + 5)}{4x^2} \cdot \frac{2(x - 1)(x + 1)}{(x - 5)(x - 1)} \cdot \frac{7(x + 1)}{x(x + 5)}. \]
Simplify the expression by canceling out common factors in the numerators and denominators. Look for terms such as \(x\), \(x - 5\), \(x + 5\), \(x - 1\), and \(x + 1\) that appear in both the numerator and denominator. After canceling, multiply the remaining terms to get the simplified result.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polynomial Operations
Polynomial operations involve the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomial expressions. In this question, we are specifically focused on multiplication and division of polynomials, which requires understanding how to combine like terms and factor expressions to simplify the calculations.
Factoring polynomials is the process of breaking down a polynomial into simpler components, or factors, that can be multiplied together to yield the original polynomial. This is crucial in simplifying expressions before performing operations like multiplication and division, as it can reveal common factors that can be canceled out.
Rational expressions are fractions where the numerator and/or denominator are polynomials. Understanding how to manipulate these expressions, including finding a common denominator and simplifying, is essential for solving problems that involve division of rational expressions, as seen in this question.