Simplify each complex fraction. See Examples 5 and 6. [ (−4/3) + 12/5 ] / [ 1 − (−4/3)(12/5) ]
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- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 45m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
0. Review of College Algebra
Rationalizing Denominators
Problem 91
Textbook Question
Simplify each complex fraction. See Examples 5 and 6. [(y + 3)/y − 4/(y − 1)] / [(y/y + 1/y) / (y − 1) + 1/y]
Verified step by step guidance1
Rewrite the complex fraction clearly by expressing the numerator and denominator separately. The numerator is \(\frac{y + 3}{y} - \frac{4}{y - 1}\) and the denominator is \(\frac{y}{y - 1} + \frac{1}{y}\).
Find a common denominator for the terms in the numerator. The denominators are \(y\) and \(y - 1\), so the common denominator is \(y(y - 1)\). Rewrite each fraction with this common denominator.
Combine the fractions in the numerator by subtracting the numerators over the common denominator \(y(y - 1)\).
Similarly, find a common denominator for the terms in the denominator, which are \(y - 1\) and \(y\). The common denominator is also \(y(y - 1)\). Rewrite and add the fractions in the denominator.
Now, rewrite the entire complex fraction as a division of two fractions with the same denominator \(y(y - 1)\). When dividing, multiply the numerator fraction by the reciprocal of the denominator fraction, then simplify the resulting expression by canceling common factors.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Complex Fractions
A complex fraction is a fraction where the numerator, denominator, or both contain fractions themselves. Simplifying involves rewriting the expression as a single fraction by finding common denominators or multiplying numerator and denominator by the least common denominator (LCD) to eliminate the smaller fractions.
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Dividing Complex Numbers
Finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The LCD is the smallest expression that all denominators in a problem divide into evenly. Identifying the LCD allows you to combine or simplify fractions by converting them to equivalent fractions with a common denominator, which is essential for simplifying complex fractions.
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Rationalizing Denominators Using Conjugates
Algebraic Manipulation of Rational Expressions
This involves applying algebraic techniques such as factoring, expanding, and canceling common factors in expressions with variables in numerators and denominators. Mastery of these skills is crucial for simplifying complex fractions that contain polynomial expressions.
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Rationalizing Denominators
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