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Algebra II math worksheets

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Simplify rational expressions

Learning goals

  • Identifies inputs that make a rational expression undefined.
  • Keeps the original domain restrictions when rewriting rational expressions.
  • Factors numerators and denominators of rational expressions.
  • Cancels only common factors, not terms.
  • Simplifies rational expressions.

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Simplify rational expressions 1
Consider \(R(x)=\frac{3x+1}{x-5}\). Which real input must be excluded from the domain of \(R\)?

Hints

- Focus on the denominator rather than the numerator. - Which input makes the denominator equal to zero?

Solution

1. A rational expression is undefined when its denominator is zero. 2. Solve \(x-5=0\), giving the excluded input \(x=5\).

Answer

\(x=5\)
Simplify rational expressions 2
In \(\frac{(x+4)(x-1)}{(x+4)(x+2)}\), which factor is a common factor of the numerator and denominator and can therefore be canceled when it is nonzero?

Hints

- Compare the factors, not the individual terms. - Look for one entire factor that appears in both numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. The numerator factors are \(x+4\) and \(x-1\). 2. The denominator factors are \(x+4\) and \(x+2\). 3. The common factor is \(x+4\).

Answer

\(x+4\)
Simplify rational expressions 3
Jordan writes \(\frac{x+6}{x+3}=\frac{6}{3}=2\) by “canceling the \(x\).” Is that cancellation legal? Explain briefly.

Hints

- Ask whether the quantity being removed multiplies every term in both numerator and denominator. - Distinguish a factor from a term in a sum.

Solution

1. Cancellation is allowed only for a common factor of the entire numerator and denominator. 2. In \(x+6\) and \(x+3\), the \(x\) terms are parts of sums, not common factors. 3. Therefore, the cancellation is not legal.

Answer

No. The \(x\) terms are not common factors of the numerator and denominator, so they cannot be canceled.
Simplify rational expressions 4
The expression \(\frac{x^2-9}{x-3}\) simplifies to \(x+3\) when cancellation is allowed. Does the original rational expression become defined at \(x=3\) after simplification? Explain.

Hints

- Check the denominator in the original expression before simplifying. - Ask whether an algebraic cancellation can change where the original denominator was zero.

Solution

1. The original denominator \(x-3\) is zero when \(x=3\), so the original expression is undefined there. 2. Factoring gives \(\frac{(x-3)(x+3)}{x-3}=x+3\) only for \(x\ne3\). 3. Simplification does not restore the excluded input.

Answer

No. The original expression is still undefined at \(x=3\), even though the simplified rule \(x+3\) has a value there.
Simplify rational expressions 5
Compare \(\frac{4\cdot3}{6\cdot3}\) and \(\frac{4}{6}\). Do they have the same value? Explain why canceling a factor works here.

Hints

- Which operations connect the numbers in the first fraction? - What happens to a fraction when its numerator and denominator are both divided by the same nonzero number?

Solution

1. The first fraction is \(\frac{12}{18}=\frac{2}{3}\), and the second is \(\frac{4}{6}=\frac{2}{3}\). 2. Dividing the entire numerator and denominator by the same nonzero factor, \(3\), preserves the value.

Answer

Yes. Both equal \(\frac{2}{3}\). The common nonzero factor can be canceled because it multiplies the entire numerator and denominator.
Simplify rational expressions 6
Fill in the missing denominator so the expression equals \(7\) for every \(x\ne4\): \(\frac{7(x-4)}{\square}=7\). Why is \(x=4\) still excluded?

Hints

- What must divide out of the numerator to leave only the constant? - A factor used in the denominator cannot equal zero.

Solution

1. The same factor \(x-4\) in the numerator and denominator can be canceled whenever it is nonzero. 2. At \(x=4\), the denominator is zero, so the original fraction is undefined.

Answer

\(\square=x-4\). The input \(x=4\) makes the denominator zero.
Simplify rational expressions 7
Levi says \(\frac{x+6}{x}=6\) because he can cancel the \(x\). Test his claim at \(x=2\). Is it correct?

Hints

- Evaluate the fraction first, keeping the numerator grouped. - Is the variable multiplying the whole numerator or only one part of it?

Solution

1. At \(x=2\), the original fraction is \(\frac{2+6}{2}=4\). 2. Since \(4\ne6\), the claim is false. The \(x\) in the numerator is one term of a sum, not a factor of the entire numerator.

Answer

No. At \(x=2\), the fraction equals \(4\), not \(6\); you cannot cancel a term in a sum.
Simplify rational expressions 8
Does \(\frac{3}{x^2+1}\) have any excluded real inputs? Explain.

Hints

- What is the smallest possible value of a real square? - Can adding a positive number to that square give zero?

Solution

1. Every real square satisfies \(x^2\ge0\), so \(x^2+1\ge1\). 2. The denominator cannot be zero, so every real input is allowed.

Answer

No. The domain is all real numbers because \(x^2+1>0\) for every real \(x\).
Simplify rational expressions 9
Simplify each rational expression by factoring common factors first. State the restriction from the original denominator. a) \(\frac{5a - 5b}{10a}\) b) \(\frac{x^2 + 2x}{x}\) c) \(\frac{3y}{3y + 6}\) d) \(\frac{2z - 4}{z - 2}\)

Hints

- Factor a common number or variable from a numerator or denominator. - Cancel only common factors of the entire numerator and denominator. - Record the values that make the original denominator zero before canceling. - If the denominator simplifies to \(1\), the fraction bar can be removed.

Solution

1. For part a, factor \(5\) from the numerator and \(10a = 5(2a)\): \(\frac{5(a - b)}{5(2a)} = \frac{a - b}{2a}\). The original restriction is \(a \ne 0\). 2. For part b, factor \(x\) from the numerator: \(\frac{x(x + 2)}{x} = x + 2\) for \(x \ne 0\). 3. For part c, factor \(3\) from the denominator: \(\frac{3y}{3(y + 2)} = \frac{y}{y + 2}\). The original restriction is \(y \ne -2\). 4. For part d, factor \(2\) from the numerator: \(\frac{2(z - 2)}{z - 2} = 2\) for \(z \ne 2\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{a - b}{2a}\), with \(a \ne 0\). b) \(x + 2\), with \(x \ne 0\). c) \(\frac{y}{y + 2}\), with \(y \ne -2\). d) \(2\), with \(z \ne 2\).
Simplify rational expressions 10
Simplify each rational expression completely. Assume each original denominator is nonzero, and state the corresponding restriction. a) \(\frac{14x}{21x^2}\) b) \(\frac{8a - 12}{4}\) c) \(\frac{x + 2}{2x + 4}\) d) \(\frac{5y - 7}{10y - 14}\)

Hints

- Factor a common number from a numerator or denominator. - Cancel common variable factors only when they are nonzero. - Cancel factors, not terms in a sum. - Look for identical binomial factors.

Solution

1. For part a, divide the numerator and denominator by \(7x\): \(\frac{14x}{21x^2} = \frac{2}{3x}\), with \(x \ne 0\). 2. For part b, factor \(4\) from the numerator: \(\frac{4(2a - 3)}{4} = 2a - 3\). The denominator is the nonzero constant \(4\), so there is no variable restriction. 3. For part c, factor the denominator: \(\frac{x + 2}{2(x + 2)} = \frac{1}{2}\), with \(x \ne -2\). 4. For part d, factor the denominator: \(\frac{5y - 7}{2(5y - 7)} = \frac{1}{2}\), with \(5y - 7 \ne 0\), or \(y \ne \frac{7}{5}\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{2}{3x}\), with \(x \ne 0\). b) \(2a - 3\); no variable restriction. c) \(\frac{1}{2}\), with \(x \ne -2\). d) \(\frac{1}{2}\), with \(y \ne \frac{7}{5}\).
Simplify rational expressions 11
Two students are discussing cancellation in rational expressions. Lisa says, “You can cross out the \(5\) in every expression below.” Use \(a = 5\) and \(b = 10\) to test her claim. Compare the original value with the value obtained by crossing out the \(5\). a) \(\frac{5a}{5b}\) b) \(\frac{5 + a}{5 + b}\) c) \(\frac{5(a + 1)}{5}\) Use your results to explain when cancellation is valid.

Hints

- Evaluate each original expression first. - Then evaluate the expression Lisa would obtain. - Compare the two values. - Is the \(5\) a factor or a term in a sum?

Solution

1. For part a, the original value is \(\frac{5 \cdot 5}{5 \cdot 10} = \frac{25}{50} = 0.5\). Canceling the common factor gives \(\frac{a}{b} = \frac{5}{10} = 0.5\), so the cancellation is valid. 2. For part b, the original value is \(\frac{5 + 5}{5 + 10} = \frac{10}{15} = \frac{2}{3}\). Crossing out the \(5\) would give \(\frac{a}{b} = \frac{1}{2}\), which is different. The cancellation is invalid. 3. For part c, the original value is \(\frac{5(5 + 1)}{5} = 6\). Canceling the common factor \(5\) gives \(a + 1 = 6\), so the cancellation is valid. 4. Cancellation is valid only for a nonzero factor of the entire numerator and the entire denominator. Terms connected by addition cannot be canceled separately.

Answer

a) Valid; both values are \(0.5\). b) Invalid; the values are \(\frac{2}{3}\) and \(\frac{1}{2}\). c) Valid; both values are \(6\). Only common nonzero factors of the entire numerator and denominator may be canceled.
Simplify rational expressions 12
Simplify each rational expression by factoring and canceling. State any value that makes the original denominator zero. a) \(\frac{6x + 18}{12}\) b) \(\frac{x^2 - 5x}{x}\) c) \(\frac{4x - 8}{2x - 4}\)

Hints

- Factor a common number or variable from the numerator. - Rewrite the numerator as a product before canceling. - The original denominator cannot equal zero. - In part c, compare the factored numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. For part a, factor \(6\) from the numerator: \(\frac{6(x + 3)}{12} = \frac{x + 3}{2}\). The denominator is the nonzero constant \(12\), so there is no excluded input. 2. For part b, factor \(x\) from the numerator: \(\frac{x(x - 5)}{x} = x - 5\), with original restriction \(x \ne 0\). 3. For part c, factor: \(\frac{4(x - 2)}{2(x - 2)} = 2\), with original restriction \(x \ne 2\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{x + 3}{2}\); no excluded input. b) \(x - 5\), with \(x \ne 0\). c) \(2\), with \(x \ne 2\).
Simplify rational expressions 13
Klara claims, “If the same variable appears in the numerator and denominator, the fraction can always be simplified by cancellation.” Test the claim using \(\frac{x}{x^2}\) and \(\frac{x}{x+1}\). Explain why the claim is not always true.

Hints

- Distinguish between a product and a sum. - Can each denominator be written with \(x\) as a factor of the entire expression? - Test a value such as \(x=2\) to check the claim.

Solution

1. For \(\frac{x}{x^2}\), rewrite the denominator as \(x\cdot x\). For \(x\ne0\), cancel the common factor \(x\): \(\frac{x}{x\cdot x}=\frac{1}{x}\). 2. For \(\frac{x}{x+1}\), the denominator is a sum, and \(x\) is not a factor of the entire denominator. No cancellation is possible. Its restriction is \(x\ne-1\). 3. The claim is false. A repeated variable can be canceled only when it is a nonzero common factor of the entire numerator and denominator, not merely a term that appears in both.

Answer

The claim is false. \(\frac{x}{x^2}=\frac{1}{x}\) for \(x\ne0\), but \(\frac{x}{x+1}\) cannot be simplified by cancellation. Cancellation applies to common factors, not terms in a sum.
Simplify rational expressions 14
Simplify the rational expression completely. State the restrictions from the original denominator. \(\frac{14a^2b - 21ab^2}{7ab}\)

Hints

- Find the greatest common numerical and variable factor in both numerator terms. - Rewrite the numerator as a product. - Cancel only a common nonzero factor of the entire numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. Factor the greatest common factor from the numerator: \(14a^2b - 21ab^2 = 7ab(2a - 3b)\). 2. Substitute the factored form: \(\frac{7ab(2a - 3b)}{7ab}\). 3. Cancel the common factor \(7ab\) to obtain \(2a - 3b\). 4. The original denominator requires \(a \ne 0\) and \(b \ne 0\).

Answer

\(2a - 3b\), with \(a \ne 0\) and \(b \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 15
Simplify the expression as much as possible. State the domain \(D_{\text{original}}\) of the original expression and the domain \(D_{\text{simplified}}\) of the simplified expression. \(\frac{4x - 12}{x - 3} + x\)

Hints

- Can you factor a common number from the numerator? - For which value is the original fraction undefined? - Compare the restrictions before and after canceling.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator of the fraction: \(4x - 12 = 4(x - 3)\). 2. For \(x \ne 3\), cancel \(x - 3\): \(\frac{4(x - 3)}{x - 3} = 4\). 3. Therefore, the expression simplifies to \(4 + x = x + 4\). 4. The original denominator is zero at \(x = 3\), so \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{3\}\). 5. The simplified expression \(x + 4\) is defined for every real number, so \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\).

Answer

The simplified expression is \(x + 4\). \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{3\}\), and \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\).
Simplify rational expressions 16
Simplify the rational expression completely. State the restriction from the original denominator. \(\frac{12x^2 - 18x}{6x^2}\)

Hints

- Find the greatest common factor of the numerator terms. - Rewrite the numerator and denominator as products. - Preserve the zero of the original denominator.

Solution

1. Factor the greatest common factor from the numerator: \(12x^2 - 18x = 6x(2x - 3)\). 2. Write the denominator as \(6x^2 = 6x \cdot x\). 3. Cancel the common factor \(6x\): \(\frac{6x(2x - 3)}{6x \cdot x} = \frac{2x - 3}{x}\). 4. The original denominator requires \(x \ne 0\).

Answer

\(\frac{2x - 3}{x}\), with \(x \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 17
Lucas simplifies \(T(x) = \frac{x^2 - 5x}{x}\) to \(x - 5\). He says, “Because the two expressions have the same value for almost every input, it does not matter which one I use to determine the domain.” Evaluate Lucas’s statement. State the domain of the original expression, \(D_{\text{original}}\), and the domain of the simplified expression, \(D_{\text{simplified}}\).

Hints

- When is a rational expression undefined? - Compare the inputs allowed in the original and simplified forms. - What happens when \(x = 0\) is substituted into the original expression?

Solution

1. In the original expression, \(x\) is in the denominator. Therefore, \(x \ne 0\), and \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\}\). 2. Factor the numerator: \(\frac{x(x - 5)}{x}\). For \(x \ne 0\), cancel \(x\) to obtain \(x - 5\). 3. The simplified expression \(x - 5\) is defined for every real number, so \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\). 4. Lucas’s statement is incorrect. The domain of an expression must be determined from the form being considered; simplifying can hide restrictions from the original expression.

Answer

Lucas is incorrect. \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\}\), while \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\). The original expression remains undefined at \(x = 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 18
For the rational expression below, find the value of \(x\) for which the expression is undefined. Then state its domain. \(\frac{5}{2x + 14}\)

Hints

- Which operation is undefined in a rational expression? - Set the denominator equal to zero. - Solve the resulting linear equation.

Solution

1. Set the denominator equal to zero: \(2x + 14 = 0\). 2. Solve: \(2x = -14\), so \(x = -7\). 3. The expression is undefined at \(x = -7\), so its domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-7\}\).

Answer

The expression is undefined at \(x = -7\). The domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-7\}\).
Simplify rational expressions 19
Analyze the denominators of the following rational expressions. For which real numbers is each expression undefined? State each domain \(D\). a) \(A(x) = \frac{10}{x(x - 1.5)}\) b) \(B(x) = \frac{x + 2}{x^2 + 1}\)

Hints

- In part a, a product is zero when at least one factor is zero. - In part b, can a real square be negative?

Solution

1. For part a, set each denominator factor equal to zero: \(x = 0\) or \(x - 1.5 = 0\), so \(x = 1.5\). 2. Therefore, \(A(x)\) is undefined at \(x = 0\) and \(x = 1.5\), and its domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0, 1.5\}\). 3. For part b, the denominator would be zero if \(x^2 + 1 = 0\), or \(x^2 = -1\). 4. No real number has a negative square, so the denominator is never zero. The domain is \(D = \mathbb{R}\).

Answer

a) Undefined at \(x = 0\) and \(x = 1.5\); \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0, 1.5\}\). b) The denominator is never zero for real \(x\); \(D = \mathbb{R}\).
Simplify rational expressions 20
Kagiso claims that \(\frac{4x-8}{2x^2-8}\) simplifies to \(\frac{2}{x+2}\). Check the claim by simplifying the original expression step by step and state the original restrictions.

Hints

- Look for common factors of the entire numerator and denominator. - Record the zeros of the original denominator before any cancellation. - After simplifying, check that the reduced rule is stated together with those original restrictions.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator: \(4x-8=4(x-2)\). 2. Factor the denominator: \(2x^2-8=2(x^2-4)=2(x-2)(x+2)\). 3. Cancel the common factor \(x-2\) and reduce \(\frac{4}{2}\): \(\frac{4(x-2)}{2(x-2)(x+2)}=\frac{2}{x+2}\). 4. The original denominator is zero at \(x=2\) and \(x=-2\). Therefore, the claim is correct only with the original restrictions \(x\ne-2,2\).

Answer

The claim is correct: \(\frac{4x-8}{2x^2-8}=\frac{2}{x+2}\) for \(x\ne-2,2\).
Simplify rational expressions 21
Simplify the rational expression completely. State the restrictions from the original denominator. \(\frac{12y}{3y^2 - 6y}\)

Hints

- Factor the greatest common factor from the denominator. - Rewrite the expression as a quotient of products before canceling. - Preserve all zeros of the original denominator. - Cancel factors, not terms in a sum.

Solution

1. Factor the denominator: \(3y^2 - 6y = 3y(y - 2)\). 2. Rewrite the expression as \(\frac{12y}{3y(y - 2)}\). 3. Cancel the common factor \(3y\): \(\frac{12y}{3y(y - 2)} = \frac{4}{y - 2}\). 4. The original denominator is zero at \(y = 0\) and \(y = 2\), so both values remain excluded.

Answer

\(\frac{4}{y - 2}\), with \(y \ne 0, 2\).
Simplify rational expressions 22
Simplify the rational expression completely. State the restriction from the original denominator. \(\frac{x^2 - 25}{2x + 10}\)

Hints

- Factor the numerator as a difference of squares. - Factor the greatest common factor from the denominator. - Preserve the zero of the original denominator.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(x^2 - 25 = (x - 5)(x + 5)\). 2. Factor the denominator: \(2x + 10 = 2(x + 5)\). 3. Cancel the common factor \(x + 5\): \(\frac{(x - 5)(x + 5)}{2(x + 5)} = \frac{x - 5}{2}\). 4. The original denominator requires \(x \ne -5\).

Answer

\(\frac{x - 5}{2}\), with \(x \ne -5\).
Simplify rational expressions 23
Simplify the rational expression completely by factoring the greatest possible common factor from the numerator: \(\frac{20a^4b^3 - 30a^3b^4}{10a^3b^3}\) Assume \(a \ne 0\) and \(b \ne 0\).

Hints

- Find the greatest common numerical and variable factor in the numerator terms. - Rewrite the numerator as a product. - Cancel only common factors of the entire numerator and denominator.

Solution

1. The denominator confirms the restrictions \(a \ne 0\) and \(b \ne 0\). 2. The greatest common factor of the numerator terms is \(10a^3b^3\). 3. Factor the numerator: \(20a^4b^3 - 30a^3b^4 = 10a^3b^3(2a - 3b)\). 4. Cancel the common factor: \(\frac{10a^3b^3(2a - 3b)}{10a^3b^3} = 2a - 3b\).

Answer

\(2a - 3b\), for \(a \ne 0\) and \(b \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 24
Consider the rational expression \(T(x) = \frac{5x - 15}{x + 4}\). a) State the domain \(D\). b) Factor the numerator and find the zero of the expression. c) Evaluate \(T(1)\).

Hints

- Which value makes the denominator zero? - A rational expression is zero when its numerator is zero and its denominator is not zero. - Substitute the given input and simplify.

Solution

1. The denominator is zero when \(x + 4 = 0\), so \(x = -4\). Therefore, \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-4\}\). 2. Factor the numerator: \(5x - 15 = 5(x - 3)\). The rational expression equals zero when its numerator is zero and its denominator is nonzero. Thus, \(x - 3 = 0\), so the zero is \(x = 3\). 3. Substitute \(x = 1\): \(T(1) = \frac{5(1) - 15}{1 + 4} = \frac{-10}{5} = -2\).

Answer

a) \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-4\}\). b) \(5x - 15 = 5(x - 3)\), so the zero is \(x = 3\). c) \(T(1) = -2\).
Simplify rational expressions 25
Rewrite each quotient as a polynomial expression plus a rational expression by dividing each term in the numerator. 1) \((12a^2+6)\div6a\) 2) \((10x^3-5x^2+2)\div5x^2\) 3) \((8m^2-12m+1)\div4m\)

Hints

- Split a fraction whose numerator is a sum into separate fractions with the same denominator. - Apply the quotient rule for powers with the same base. - Simplify both coefficients and variable factors.

Solution

1. Divide each term by \(6a\): \(\frac{12a^2}{6a}+\frac{6}{6a}=2a+\frac{1}{a}\), where \(a\ne0\). 2. Divide each term by \(5x^2\): \(\frac{10x^3}{5x^2}-\frac{5x^2}{5x^2}+\frac{2}{5x^2}=2x-1+\frac{2}{5x^2}\), where \(x\ne0\). 3. Divide each term by \(4m\): \(\frac{8m^2}{4m}-\frac{12m}{4m}+\frac{1}{4m}=2m-3+\frac{1}{4m}\), where \(m\ne0\).

Answer

1) \(2a+\frac{1}{a}\), where \(a\ne0\) 2) \(2x-1+\frac{2}{5x^2}\), where \(x\ne0\) 3) \(2m-3+\frac{1}{4m}\), where \(m\ne0\)
Simplify rational expressions 26
Factor each numerator, then simplify the rational expression. Assume every denominator is nonzero. 1) \(\frac{x^2-9}{x+3}\) 2) \(\frac{16-y^2}{4-y}\) 3) \(\frac{4a^2-25}{2a+5}\) 4) \(\frac{b^2-1}{1-b}\)

Hints

- Factor each difference of squares. - Cancel only common factors, not individual terms. - In part 4, compare \(1-b\) with \(b-1\). - Preserve the values excluded by the original denominator.

Solution

1. \(x^2-9=(x-3)(x+3)\), so \(\frac{(x-3)(x+3)}{x+3}=x-3\), with \(x\ne-3\). 2. \(16-y^2=(4-y)(4+y)\), so \(\frac{(4-y)(4+y)}{4-y}=4+y\), with \(y\ne4\). 3. \(4a^2-25=(2a-5)(2a+5)\), so the expression simplifies to \(2a-5\), with \(a\ne-\frac{5}{2}\). 4. \(b^2-1=(b-1)(b+1)\) and \(1-b=-(b-1)\). Therefore the expression simplifies to \(-(b+1)=-b-1\), with \(b\ne1\).

Answer

1) \(x-3\), where \(x\ne-3\) 2) \(y+4\), where \(y\ne4\) 3) \(2a-5\), where \(a\ne-\frac{5}{2}\) 4) \(-b-1\), where \(b\ne1\)
Simplify rational expressions 27
Rewrite each numerator as a binomial square, then simplify. Assume each denominator is nonzero. a) \(\frac{x^2+14x+49}{x+7}\) b) \(\frac{4a^2-12ab+9b^2}{2a-3b}\) c) \(\frac{y^4+2y^2+1}{y^2+1}\)

Hints

- Compare each numerator with \(A^2\pm2AB+B^2\). - Cancel a common factor only after factoring completely. - Preserve restrictions from the original denominator.

Solution

1. a) \(x^2+14x+49=(x+7)^2\), so the expression simplifies to \(x+7\), where \(x\ne-7\). 2. b) \(4a^2-12ab+9b^2=(2a-3b)^2\), so the expression simplifies to \(2a-3b\), where \(2a-3b\ne0\). 3. c) \(y^4+2y^2+1=(y^2+1)^2\), so the expression simplifies to \(y^2+1\). For real \(y\), the original denominator is always positive.

Answer

a) \(x+7\), where \(x\ne-7\) b) \(2a-3b\), where \(2a-3b\ne0\) c) \(y^2+1\)
Simplify rational expressions 28
Simplify completely, given \(k\ne8\) and \(k\ne-8\). \(\frac{k^2-16k+64}{k-8}+\frac{k^2+16k+64}{k+8}\)

Hints

- Simplify the two rational expressions separately. - Recognize each numerator as a binomial square. - Retain the restrictions from the original denominators.

Solution

1. Factor the first numerator: \(k^2-16k+64=(k-8)^2\). Thus the first fraction simplifies to \(k-8\). 2. Factor the second numerator: \(k^2+16k+64=(k+8)^2\). Thus the second fraction simplifies to \(k+8\). 3. Add: \((k-8)+(k+8)=2k\).

Answer

\(2k\), with \(k\ne8\) and \(k\ne-8\)
Simplify rational expressions 29
Write each division as a rational expression. Simplify any common numerical factor, and state when the expression is undefined. a) \((4x + 12) \div (x - 7)\) b) \(15 \div (3y + 12)\) c) \((a + 3) \div (a - b)\)

Hints

- Division by an expression can be written as a fraction. - A rational expression is undefined when its denominator is zero. - Set each denominator equal to zero and solve. - In part c, the restriction relates two variables.

Solution

1. Part a becomes \(\frac{4x + 12}{x - 7}\). The denominator is zero when \(x - 7 = 0\), so the expression is undefined at \(x = 7\). 2. Part b becomes \(\frac{15}{3y + 12} = \frac{15}{3(y + 4)} = \frac{5}{y + 4}\). The original and simplified expressions are undefined at \(y = -4\). 3. Part c becomes \(\frac{a + 3}{a - b}\). The denominator is zero when \(a - b = 0\), so the expression is undefined whenever \(a = b\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{4x + 12}{x - 7}\); undefined at \(x = 7\). b) \(\frac{5}{y + 4}\); undefined at \(y = -4\). c) \(\frac{a + 3}{a - b}\); undefined when \(a = b\).
Simplify rational expressions 30
Simplify each rational expression completely. Then determine which expressions have the same value for every input in their common domain. Expression A: \(\frac{15x^2y}{20xy^2}\) Expression B: \(\frac{3x}{4y}\) Expression C: \(\frac{9x^3}{12x^2y}\) Expression D: \(\frac{6x^2}{8y^2}\)

Hints

- Cancel common numerical and variable factors. - Apply exponent rules when dividing powers with the same base. - Compare simplified forms only on a domain allowed by every expression being compared.

Solution

1. Expression A simplifies by canceling \(5xy\): \(\frac{15x^2y}{20xy^2} = \frac{3x}{4y}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(y \ne 0\). 2. Expression B is already simplified as \(\frac{3x}{4y}\), with \(y \ne 0\). 3. Expression C simplifies by canceling \(3x^2\): \(\frac{9x^3}{12x^2y} = \frac{3x}{4y}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(y \ne 0\). 4. Expression D simplifies to \(\frac{3x^2}{4y^2}\), with \(y \ne 0\). 5. On the common domain \(x \ne 0\) and \(y \ne 0\), expressions A, B, and C have the same value. Expression D is not equal to them in general.

Answer

Expressions A, B, and C are equivalent on the common domain \(x \ne 0\), \(y \ne 0\), and each simplifies to \(\frac{3x}{4y}\). Expression D simplifies to \(\frac{3x^2}{4y^2}\) and is not equivalent to them in general.
Simplify rational expressions 31
Simplify each rational expression completely and state the original restrictions. a) \(\frac{15x^3y^2}{20x^2y^4}\) b) \(\frac{6(a + b)^2}{9(a + b)}\) c) \(\frac{4u(v - 3)}{8u^2(v - 3)}\)

Hints

- Identify common numerical and variable factors. - Use exponent rules when canceling powers. - Treat an identical binomial factor as one factor. - If all factors in the numerator cancel, a numerator of \(1\) remains.

Solution

1. For part a, cancel \(5x^2y^2\): \(\frac{15x^3y^2}{20x^2y^4} = \frac{3x}{4y^2}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(y \ne 0\). 2. For part b, cancel \(3(a + b)\): \(\frac{6(a + b)^2}{9(a + b)} = \frac{2(a + b)}{3}\), with \(a + b \ne 0\). 3. For part c, cancel \(4u(v - 3)\): \(\frac{4u(v - 3)}{8u^2(v - 3)} = \frac{1}{2u}\), with \(u \ne 0\) and \(v \ne 3\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{3x}{4y^2}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(y \ne 0\). b) \(\frac{2(a + b)}{3}\), with \(a + b \ne 0\). c) \(\frac{1}{2u}\), with \(u \ne 0\) and \(v \ne 3\).
Simplify rational expressions 32
Simplify each rational expression completely and state the original restrictions. a) \(\frac{15x^3y^2}{10x^2y^4}\) b) \(\frac{4a^5b^3}{12a^3b^6}\) c) \(\frac{18p^2q^4}{27pq^2}\) d) \(\frac{z^7w^3}{z^4w^5}\)

Hints

- Simplify the numerical coefficients and each variable separately. - Subtract exponents when dividing powers with the same base. - If a larger power remains in the denominator, keep that power below the fraction bar. - Preserve every original denominator restriction.

Solution

1. For part a, cancel \(5x^2y^2\): \(\frac{15x^3y^2}{10x^2y^4} = \frac{3x}{2y^2}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(y \ne 0\). 2. For part b, cancel \(4a^3b^3\): \(\frac{4a^5b^3}{12a^3b^6} = \frac{a^2}{3b^3}\), with \(a \ne 0\) and \(b \ne 0\). 3. For part c, cancel \(9pq^2\): \(\frac{18p^2q^4}{27pq^2} = \frac{2pq^2}{3}\), with \(p \ne 0\) and \(q \ne 0\). 4. For part d, apply exponent rules: \(\frac{z^7w^3}{z^4w^5} = \frac{z^3}{w^2}\), with \(z \ne 0\) and \(w \ne 0\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{3x}{2y^2}\), with \(x \ne 0\), \(y \ne 0\). b) \(\frac{a^2}{3b^3}\), with \(a \ne 0\), \(b \ne 0\). c) \(\frac{2pq^2}{3}\), with \(p \ne 0\), \(q \ne 0\). d) \(\frac{z^3}{w^2}\), with \(z \ne 0\), \(w \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 33
Rewrite each rational expression with a minus sign directly in front of the fraction bar, without changing its value. State the original restriction. a) \(\frac{7 - x}{z}\) b) \(\frac{a}{5 - b}\) c) \(\frac{x - y}{x + y}\) d) \(\frac{-3 - m}{n}\)

Hints

- Use \(\frac{-A}{B} = \frac{A}{-B} = -\frac{A}{B}\). - Reversing the order in a difference introduces a factor of \(-1\). - Factor \(-1\) from either the numerator or denominator.

Solution

1. For part a, factor \(-1\) from the numerator: \(7 - x = -(x - 7)\). Thus, \(\frac{7 - x}{z} = -\frac{x - 7}{z}\), with \(z \ne 0\). 2. For part b, factor \(-1\) from the denominator: \(5 - b = -(b - 5)\). Thus, \(\frac{a}{5 - b} = -\frac{a}{b - 5}\), with \(b \ne 5\). 3. For part c, factor \(-1\) from the numerator: \(x - y = -(y - x)\). Thus, \(\frac{x - y}{x + y} = -\frac{y - x}{x + y}\), with \(x + y \ne 0\). 4. For part d, factor \(-1\) from the numerator: \(-3 - m = -(3 + m)\). Thus, \(\frac{-3 - m}{n} = -\frac{3 + m}{n}\), with \(n \ne 0\).

Answer

a) \(-\frac{x - 7}{z}\), with \(z \ne 0\). b) \(-\frac{a}{b - 5}\), with \(b \ne 5\). c) \(-\frac{y - x}{x + y}\), with \(x + y \ne 0\). d) \(-\frac{3 + m}{n}\), with \(n \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 34
Factor out \(-1\) when useful, and simplify each rational expression completely for all allowed values. a) \(\frac{x - 8}{8 - x}\) b) \(\frac{4a - 12}{3 - a}\) c) \(\frac{y - 5}{15 - 3y}\)

Hints

- Factor common numerical factors first. - Reversing a difference introduces a factor of \(-1\). - Look for factors that are identical except for sign.

Solution

1. For part a, \(8 - x = -(x - 8)\), so \(\frac{x - 8}{8 - x} = \frac{x - 8}{-(x - 8)} = -1\), with \(x \ne 8\). 2. For part b, factor \(4a - 12 = 4(a - 3)\) and \(3 - a = -(a - 3)\). Then \(\frac{4(a - 3)}{-(a - 3)} = -4\), with \(a \ne 3\). 3. For part c, factor \(15 - 3y = 3(5 - y) = -3(y - 5)\). Then \(\frac{y - 5}{-3(y - 5)} = -\frac{1}{3}\), with \(y \ne 5\).

Answer

a) \(-1\), with \(x \ne 8\). b) \(-4\), with \(a \ne 3\). c) \(-\frac{1}{3}\), with \(y \ne 5\).
Simplify rational expressions 35
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring common factors. State the restrictions from the original denominator. 1. \(\frac{8a - 8b}{16a}\) 2. \(\frac{3x + 3y}{12z + 12w}\) 3. \(\frac{5k - 15m}{20k}\)

Hints

- Find a common factor in every term of the numerator. - Factor the denominator when that reveals a common numerical factor. - Cancel only factors joined by multiplication. - Preserve the conditions that make each original denominator nonzero.

Solution

1. Factor \(8\) from the numerator: \(\frac{8(a - b)}{16a} = \frac{a - b}{2a}\), with \(a \ne 0\). 2. Factor \(3\) from the numerator and \(12\) from the denominator: \(\frac{3(x + y)}{12(z + w)} = \frac{x + y}{4(z + w)}\), with \(z + w \ne 0\). 3. Factor \(5\) from the numerator: \(\frac{5(k - 3m)}{20k} = \frac{k - 3m}{4k}\), with \(k \ne 0\).

Answer

1. \(\frac{a - b}{2a}\), with \(a \ne 0\). 2. \(\frac{x + y}{4(z + w)}\), with \(z + w \ne 0\). 3. \(\frac{k - 3m}{4k}\), with \(k \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 36
Simplify each rational expression completely and state the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{7x^2 - 7xy}{x^2 - y^2}\) 2) \(\frac{a^2 + 4ab + 4b^2}{2a + 4b}\)

Hints

- Factor common numerical and variable factors. - Look for a difference of squares and a perfect-square trinomial. - Cancel only identical factors.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator and denominator: \(7x^2 - 7xy = 7x(x - y)\) and \(x^2 - y^2 = (x - y)(x + y)\). Cancel \(x - y\) to obtain \(\frac{7x}{x + y}\), with \(x \ne y\) and \(x \ne -y\). 2. Factor the numerator as \((a + 2b)^2\) and the denominator as \(2(a + 2b)\). Cancel \(a + 2b\) to obtain \(\frac{a + 2b}{2}\), with \(a \ne -2b\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{7x}{x + y}\), with \(x \ne y\) and \(x \ne -y\). 2) \(\frac{a + 2b}{2}\), with \(a \ne -2b\).
Simplify rational expressions 37
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring common factors. State the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{12ab - 18ac}{6a}\) 2) \(\frac{x^2 + xy}{x^2 - xy}\) 3) \(\frac{5u - 5v}{v - u}\)

Hints

- Factor the greatest common factor from each numerator and denominator. - Rewrite sums or differences as products before canceling. - In part 3, compare the two binomials after factoring out \(-1\). - Cancel only factors, not individual terms.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator: \(12ab - 18ac = 6a(2b - 3c)\). Cancel \(6a\) to obtain \(2b - 3c\), with \(a \ne 0\). 2. Factor the numerator and denominator: \(x^2 + xy = x(x + y)\) and \(x^2 - xy = x(x - y)\). Cancel \(x\) to obtain \(\frac{x + y}{x - y}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(x \ne y\). 3. Factor the numerator as \(5(u - v)\). Since \(v - u = -(u - v)\), the expression simplifies to \(-5\), with \(u \ne v\).

Answer

1) \(2b - 3c\), with \(a \ne 0\). 2) \(\frac{x + y}{x - y}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(x \ne y\). 3) \(-5\), with \(u \ne v\).
Simplify rational expressions 38
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring. State the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{x^2 - 16}{x^2 + 8x + 16}\) 2) \(\frac{2a - 6}{a^2 - 6a + 9}\)

Hints

- Look for a difference of squares and a perfect-square trinomial. - Factor any common constant first. - Cancel only common factors, not terms. - Preserve the zeros of the original denominators.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator and denominator: \(x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)\) and \(x^2 + 8x + 16 = (x + 4)^2\). Cancel one factor of \(x + 4\) to obtain \(\frac{x - 4}{x + 4}\), with \(x \ne -4\). 2. Factor: \(2a - 6 = 2(a - 3)\) and \(a^2 - 6a + 9 = (a - 3)^2\). Cancel one factor of \(a - 3\) to obtain \(\frac{2}{a - 3}\), with \(a \ne 3\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{x - 4}{x + 4}\), with \(x \ne -4\). 2) \(\frac{2}{a - 3}\), with \(a \ne 3\).
Simplify rational expressions 39
For each rational expression, find all real values of \(x\) for which it is undefined. a) \(\frac{7}{x + 4}\) b) \(\frac{x - 2}{3x - 15}\) c) \(\frac{5}{x^2 - 16}\) d) \(\frac{x + 1}{(x - 3)(x + 5)}\)

Hints

- Division by zero is undefined. - Focus on each denominator. - A product is zero when at least one factor is zero. - A quadratic equation such as \(x^2 = 16\) can have two real solutions.

Solution

1. A rational expression is undefined when its denominator equals zero. 2. For part a, solve \(x + 4 = 0\), giving \(x = -4\). 3. For part b, solve \(3x - 15 = 0\), giving \(x = 5\). 4. For part c, factor \(x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)\). The denominator is zero at \(x = 4\) and \(x = -4\). 5. For part d, use the zero-product property: \((x - 3)(x + 5) = 0\) when \(x = 3\) or \(x = -5\).

Answer

a) \(x = -4\). b) \(x = 5\). c) \(x = -4\) and \(x = 4\). d) \(x = -5\) and \(x = 3\).
Simplify rational expressions 40
Determine the domain of each expression over the real numbers. a) \(\frac{2x}{x^2 - 9}\) b) \(\frac{x}{x^2 + 1}\). Justify your answer. c) \(\frac{3}{x} + \frac{2}{x - 7}\)

Hints

- Can a real square plus \(1\) ever equal zero? - In a sum of rational expressions, every denominator must be nonzero. - Which part of a rational expression determines its domain restrictions?

Solution

1. For part a, factor the denominator: \(x^2 - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3)\). It is zero at \(x = 3\) and \(x = -3\), so the domain is \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{-3, 3\}\). 2. For part b, \(x^2 \ge 0\) for every real number, so \(x^2 + 1 \ge 1\). The denominator is never zero, and the domain is \(\mathbb{R}\). 3. For part c, both fractions must be defined. The first denominator excludes \(x = 0\), and the second excludes \(x = 7\). The domain is \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{0, 7\}\).

Answer

a) \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{-3, 3\}\). b) \(\mathbb{R}\), because \(x^2 + 1\) is always positive. c) \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{0, 7\}\).
Simplify rational expressions 41
Compare the two graphs of \(r(x)=\frac{x^2-9}{x-3}\) and \(s(x)=x+3\). a) Factor \(x^2-9\) and simplify \(r(x)\) wherever the original expression is defined. b) Explain why the graphs agree wherever both functions are defined. Which graph has an open circle, and which denominator factor causes it? c) State the domain of each function.
Figure for problem 555651

Hints

- Which factoring pattern involves subtracting two squares? - Before canceling, which inputs would make that factor zero? - Do the original formulas allow exactly the same inputs?

Solution

1. Factor the numerator: \(x^2-9=(x-3)(x+3)\). 2. For \(x\ne3\), \(r(x)=\frac{(x-3)(x+3)}{x-3}=x+3=s(x)\), so the graphs agree on the domain of \(r\). 3. The original denominator factor \(x-3\) becomes zero at \(x=3\), so \(r\) is undefined there even though its simplified rule is \(x+3\). 4. The line value is \(s(3)=6\). Thus \(r\) has an open circle at \((3,6)\) while \(s\) is defined there. 5. The domains are \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{3\}\) for \(r\) and all real numbers for \(s\).

Answer

a) \(r(x)=x+3\), with \(x\ne3\). b) The graphs agree for \(x\ne3\). The factor \(x-3\) excludes \(x=3\), giving the open circle at \((3,6)\) only for \(r\). c) Domain of \(r\): \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{3\}\); domain of \(s\): \(\mathbb{R}\).
Simplify rational expressions 42
Compare \(r(x)=\frac{x^2-1}{x-1}\) and \(s(x)=x+1\) at \(x=0\), \(x=1\), and \(x=2\). At which input is only one expression defined?

Hints

- Check each expression at the same inputs before simplifying anything. - What restriction comes from the original fraction that the simpler formula does not have?

Solution

1. At \(x=0\), both values are \(1\); at \(x=2\), both are \(3\). 2. The numerator factors as \((x-1)(x+1)\), so \(r(x)=x+1\) only for \(x\ne1\). 3. At \(x=1\), \(r\) is undefined but \(s(1)=2\).

Answer

At \(x=0\), both are \(1\); at \(x=2\), both are \(3\). Only \(s\) is defined at \(x=1\), where \(s(1)=2\).
Simplify rational expressions 43
Find a polynomial \(N(x)\) so that \(\frac{N(x)}{x-3}\) simplifies to \(x+2\) for every \(x\ne3\). Give the simplest expanded numerator.

Hints

- Work backward from the result after cancellation. - What product in the numerator would leave the desired expression?

Solution

1. The desired numerator must contain \(x-3\) as a factor and leave \(x+2\) when canceled. 2. Multiply: \(N(x)=(x-3)(x+2)=x^2-x-6\). The original denominator still excludes \(x=3\).

Answer

\(N(x)=x^2-x-6\)
Simplify rational expressions 44
Simplify \(\frac{2x(x+1)}{x(x+1)}\). State every excluded real input from the original denominator and explain why cancellation does not remove those restrictions.

Hints

- Find every zero of the original product in the denominator. - Compare the numerator with the entire denominator as a factor.

Solution

1. The original denominator is zero when \(x=0\) or \(x=-1\). 2. For all other inputs, the numerator is twice the denominator, so the quotient equals \(2\). 3. The original quotient remains undefined at those two excluded inputs.

Answer

\(2\), with \(x\ne0,-1\). Canceling factors does not define a fraction where its original denominator was zero.
Simplify rational expressions 45
Tereza simplified each rational expression. Decide whether each step is correct. If it is incorrect, give the correct result. a) \(\frac{x+5}{5}=x\) b) \(\frac{3(x-1)}{3}=x-1\) c) \(\frac{a^2-a}{a}=a-1\) for \(a\ne0\) d) \(\frac{2x+4}{2x+8}=\frac{4}{8}=\frac{1}{2}\)

Hints

- You may cancel common factors, not separate terms in a sum. - Factor the entire numerator and denominator before canceling. - Substitute a simple value to test whether an equation is plausible. - Check the original denominator for restrictions.

Solution

1. Part a is incorrect. Terms in a sum cannot be canceled separately. Instead, \(\frac{x+5}{5}=\frac{x}{5}+1\). 2. Part b is correct because \(3\) is a factor of the entire numerator and denominator: \(\frac{3(x-1)}{3}=x-1\). 3. Part c is correct for \(a\ne0\): \(\frac{a(a-1)}{a}=a-1\). 4. Part d is incorrect because Tereza canceled terms rather than factors. Factor \(2\) from the numerator and denominator: \(\frac{2(x+2)}{2(x+4)}=\frac{x+2}{x+4}\), with \(x\ne-4\).

Answer

a) Incorrect; \(\frac{x+5}{5}=\frac{x}{5}+1\). b) Correct. c) Correct for \(a\ne0\). d) Incorrect; \(\frac{2x+4}{2x+8}=\frac{x+2}{x+4}\), with \(x\ne-4\).
Simplify rational expressions 46
Simplify each rational expression by factoring. State the restrictions from the original denominator. a) \(\frac{x^2 - 4}{x + 2}\) b) \(\frac{x^2 - 6x + 9}{x - 3}\) c) \(\frac{2x + 2}{x^2 - 1}\)

Hints

- Look for a difference of squares or a perfect-square trinomial. - Factor before canceling. - Cancel only identical factors. - Record all zeros of the original denominator before simplifying.

Solution

1. For part a, factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(\frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{x + 2} = x - 2\), with \(x \ne -2\). 2. For part b, factor the numerator as a perfect-square trinomial: \(\frac{(x - 3)^2}{x - 3} = x - 3\), with \(x \ne 3\). 3. For part c, factor the numerator and denominator: \(\frac{2(x + 1)}{(x - 1)(x + 1)} = \frac{2}{x - 1}\). The original restrictions are \(x \ne -1\) and \(x \ne 1\).

Answer

a) \(x - 2\), with \(x \ne -2\). b) \(x - 3\), with \(x \ne 3\). c) \(\frac{2}{x - 1}\), with \(x \ne -1, 1\).
Simplify rational expressions 47
Simplify each rational expression using special-product patterns. State the restrictions from the original denominator. a) \(\frac{x^2 - 49}{x - 7}\) b) \(\frac{a^2 + 6a + 9}{3a + 9}\) c) \(\frac{y - 5}{25 - y^2}\)

Hints

- Look for a difference of squares or a perfect-square trinomial. - Factor a numerical common factor from the denominator when needed. - Use \(y - 5 = -(5 - y)\) to match factors. - Preserve every zero of the original denominator.

Solution

1. For part a, factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(\frac{(x - 7)(x + 7)}{x - 7} = x + 7\), with \(x \ne 7\). 2. For part b, factor the numerator and denominator: \(\frac{(a + 3)^2}{3(a + 3)} = \frac{a + 3}{3}\), with \(a \ne -3\). 3. For part c, factor the denominator: \(25 - y^2 = (5 - y)(5 + y)\). Because \(y - 5 = -(5 - y)\), \(\frac{y - 5}{(5 - y)(5 + y)} = -\frac{1}{y + 5}\). The original restrictions are \(y \ne -5\) and \(y \ne 5\).

Answer

a) \(x + 7\), with \(x \ne 7\). b) \(\frac{a + 3}{3}\), with \(a \ne -3\). c) \(-\frac{1}{y + 5}\), with \(y \ne -5, 5\).
Simplify rational expressions 48
Simplify each rational expression completely. State the restrictions from the original denominator. a) \(\frac{2x^2 - 18}{x^2 + 6x + 9}\) b) \(\frac{10z - 5z^2}{z^2 - 4}\) c) \(\frac{(4a - 8)^2}{8a - 16}\)

Hints

- Factor common constants before using special-product patterns. - Squaring a factored binomial also squares its numerical factor. - Use \(2 - z = -(z - 2)\) to track the sign. - Record the original denominator restrictions before canceling.

Solution

1. For part a, factor the numerator and denominator: \(\frac{2(x^2 - 9)}{(x + 3)^2} = \frac{2(x - 3)(x + 3)}{(x + 3)^2} = \frac{2(x - 3)}{x + 3}\), with \(x \ne -3\). 2. For part b, factor: \(10z - 5z^2 = 5z(2 - z) = -5z(z - 2)\) and \(z^2 - 4 = (z - 2)(z + 2)\). Cancel \(z - 2\) to obtain \(-\frac{5z}{z + 2}\). The original restrictions are \(z \ne -2\) and \(z \ne 2\). 3. For part c, rewrite \((4a - 8)^2 = [4(a - 2)]^2 = 16(a - 2)^2\) and \(8a - 16 = 8(a - 2)\). Cancel to obtain \(2(a - 2) = 2a - 4\), with \(a \ne 2\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{2(x - 3)}{x + 3}\), with \(x \ne -3\). b) \(-\frac{5z}{z + 2}\), with \(z \ne -2, 2\). c) \(2a - 4\), with \(a \ne 2\).
Simplify rational expressions 49
Yasmine claims, “You can simplify \(\frac{x^2+9}{x+3}\) by canceling \(x+3\), so the result is \(x+3\).” Test the claim by substituting \(x=1\). Then use a special-product pattern to explain why the cancellation is invalid.

Hints

- Substitute the same value into both expressions. - What would the numerator have to be if it were \((x+3)^2\)? - Compare \(x^2+9\) with the relevant special-product expansion.

Solution

1. Substitute \(x=1\) into the original expression: \(\frac{1^2+9}{1+3}=\frac{10}{4}=2.5\). 2. Substitute \(x=1\) into the claimed result: \(1+3=4\). 3. Because \(2.5\ne4\), the claim is false. 4. The numerator \(x^2+9\) is a sum of squares and is not equal to \((x+3)^2\). In fact, \((x+3)^2=x^2+6x+9\). Since \(x+3\) is not a factor of the numerator, it cannot be canceled.

Answer

Yasmine is incorrect. At \(x=1\), the original expression equals \(2.5\), while \(x+3=4\). Also, \(x^2+9\ne(x+3)^2\), so \(x+3\) is not a common factor.
Simplify rational expressions 50
Simplify each rational expression as much as possible. For each one, state the domain of the original expression, \(D_{\text{original}}\), and the domain of the simplified expression, \(D_{\text{simplified}}\). Are the two domains the same? a) \(\frac{x^2 - 25}{x - 5}\) b) \(\frac{3x + 6}{x} \cdot \frac{x^2}{x + 2}\)

Hints

- Which values make an original denominator equal to zero? - Look for a common factor in each numerator and denominator. - Compare the excluded values before and after simplifying.

Solution

1. For part a, factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(\frac{(x - 5)(x + 5)}{x - 5}\). For \(x \ne 5\), cancel \(x - 5\) to obtain \(x + 5\). 2. The original expression is undefined at \(x = 5\), so \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{5\}\). The simplified expression \(x + 5\) is defined for all real numbers, so \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\). The domains are not the same. 3. For part b, factor and simplify: \(\frac{3(x + 2)}{x} \cdot \frac{x^2}{x + 2} = 3x\), with the original restrictions \(x \ne 0\) and \(x \ne -2\). 4. Thus, \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-2, 0\}\). The simplified expression \(3x\) is defined for all real numbers, so \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\). The domains are not the same.

Answer

a) Simplified expression: \(x + 5\); \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{5\}\); \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\). The domains are not the same. b) Simplified expression: \(3x\); \(D_{\text{original}} = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-2, 0\}\); \(D_{\text{simplified}} = \mathbb{R}\). The domains are not the same.
Simplify rational expressions 51
Two expressions are equivalent on their common domain if they have the same value for every input allowed in both expressions. Consider \(T_1(x) = \frac{x^2 + 5x}{x + 5}\) and \(T_2(x) = x\). a) State the domains \(D_1\) and \(D_2\). b) Simplify \(T_1\) to show that \(T_1(x)\) and \(T_2(x)\) have the same value for every \(x \in D_1\). c) Explain why you cannot say that \(T_1 = T_2\) for all real numbers.

Hints

- Which value makes the denominator of \(T_1\) equal to zero? - Factor the numerator of \(T_1\). - Compare what happens to the two expressions at \(x = -5\).

Solution

1. The denominator of \(T_1\) is zero when \(x = -5\), so \(D_1 = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-5\}\). The expression \(T_2(x) = x\) is defined for every real number, so \(D_2 = \mathbb{R}\). 2. Factor the numerator: \(T_1(x) = \frac{x(x + 5)}{x + 5}\). For \(x \ne -5\), cancel \(x + 5\) to obtain \(T_1(x) = x = T_2(x)\). 3. At \(x = -5\), \(T_1\) is undefined because its denominator is zero, while \(T_2(-5) = -5\). Therefore, the expressions do not have the same domain and cannot be treated as identical for all real numbers.

Answer

a) \(D_1 = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-5\}\); \(D_2 = \mathbb{R}\). b) \(T_1(x) = \frac{x(x + 5)}{x + 5} = x\) for \(x \ne -5\). c) \(T_1\) is undefined at \(x = -5\), but \(T_2\) is defined there.
Simplify rational expressions 52
Consider the rational expression \(T(x) = \frac{x - 5}{x^2 + 3x}\). a) State the domain of \(T\). b) Briefly explain why some values must be excluded from the domain. c) Write a different rational expression \(S(x)\) that has the same domain as \(T(x)\) but a different zero.

Hints

- When is a rational expression undefined? - Factor the denominator and find its zeros. - What condition makes a rational expression equal to zero? - Which part of the expression determines its domain restrictions?

Solution

1. Factor the denominator: \(x^2 + 3x = x(x + 3)\). 2. The denominator is zero at \(x = 0\) and \(x = -3\), so the domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-3, 0\}\). 3. These values are excluded because division by zero is undefined. 4. Keep the same denominator to preserve the domain, but choose a numerator with a different zero. For example, \(S(x) = \frac{x + 1}{x^2 + 3x}\) has the same domain and has a zero at \(x = -1\).

Answer

a) \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-3, 0\}\). b) At \(x = -3\) and \(x = 0\), the denominator is zero, so the expression is undefined. c) One possible answer is \(S(x) = \frac{x + 1}{x^2 + 3x}\), which has a zero at \(x = -1\).
Simplify rational expressions 53
Ren claims, “The expressions \(A(x)=\frac{2}{x+4}\) and \(B(x)=\frac{2x-6}{(x+4)(x-3)}\) are equivalent for all real numbers because \(B(x)\) can be simplified directly to \(A(x)\).” a) State the domains \(D_A\) and \(D_B\). b) Evaluate each expression at \(x=3\), if possible. c) Decide whether Ren's claim is true or false. Justify your answer.

Hints

- Find every value that makes each original denominator zero. - Check whether \(x=3\) belongs to both domains. - Simplifying an expression does not erase restrictions from its original form. - What is the difference between agreeing on shared inputs and being the same function?

Solution

1. For \(A(x)\), the denominator is zero at \(x=-4\), so \(D_A=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4\}\). 2. For \(B(x)\), the denominator is zero at \(x=-4\) and \(x=3\), so \(D_B=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4,3\}\). 3. Evaluate \(A\) at \(x=3\): \(A(3)=\frac{2}{3+4}=\frac{2}{7}\). 4. The value \(x=3\) is not in \(D_B\), so \(B(3)\) is undefined. 5. Although \(2x-6=2(x-3)\) and \(B(x)\) simplifies to \(\frac{2}{x+4}\) for \(x\ne3\), the original expressions have different domains. Ren's claim is false.

Answer

a) \(D_A=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4\}\); \(D_B=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4,3\}\). b) \(A(3)=\frac{2}{7}\); \(B(3)\) is undefined. c) The claim is false because the expressions have different domains. They agree only where both are defined.
Simplify rational expressions 54
Simplify the rational expression completely. State the restrictions from the original denominator. \(\frac{6 - 2y}{2y^2 - 18}\)

Hints

- Factor out the common numerical factor first. - Factor the difference of squares in the denominator. - What changes when you reverse the order of two terms in a subtraction? - Preserve every zero of the original denominator.

Solution

1. Factor \(2\) from the numerator and denominator: \(\frac{2(3 - y)}{2(y^2 - 9)} = \frac{3 - y}{y^2 - 9}\). 2. Factor the denominator as a difference of squares: \(y^2 - 9 = (y - 3)(y + 3)\). 3. Rewrite the numerator as \(3 - y = -(y - 3)\). 4. Cancel \(y - 3\): \(\frac{-(y - 3)}{(y - 3)(y + 3)} = -\frac{1}{y + 3}\). 5. The original denominator is zero at \(y = -3\) and \(y = 3\), so both values remain excluded.

Answer

\(-\frac{1}{y + 3}\), with \(y \ne -3, 3\).
Simplify rational expressions 55
Consider the rational expression \(T(x)=\frac{x-3}{x^2-9}\). a) Find all real values of \(x\) for which the expression is undefined. b) State the domain \(D\). c) Aoife says, “Using the difference of squares, I can simplify the expression to \(\frac{1}{x+3}\), so the expression is defined at \(x=3\).” Explain why this statement is incorrect for the original expression.

Hints

- Determine the zeros of the original denominator before simplifying. - Keep track of every excluded value from the original expression. - Compare the original expression and its simplified rule specifically at \(x=3\).

Solution

1. Set the original denominator equal to zero: \(x^2-9=0\). 2. Factor: \((x-3)(x+3)=0\), so \(x=3\) or \(x=-3\). 3. Therefore, the domain of the original expression is \(D=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-3,3\}\). 4. For \(x\ne3\), the expression simplifies as \(\frac{x-3}{(x-3)(x+3)}=\frac{1}{x+3}\). 5. Canceling \(x-3\) does not add \(x=3\) to the original domain. At that input, the original denominator is zero, so the original expression remains undefined.

Answer

a) The expression is undefined at \(x=-3\) and \(x=3\). b) \(D=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-3,3\}\). c) The cancellation is valid only when \(x\ne3\). The original expression still has a zero denominator at \(x=3\).
Simplify rational expressions 56
Simplify the rational expression completely by factoring and canceling. State the restriction from the original denominator. \(\frac{5x^2 - 20}{x^2 - 4x + 4}\)

Hints

- Look for a numerical common factor before using polynomial patterns. - Look for a difference of squares and a perfect-square trinomial. - Cancel only common factors and preserve the original restriction.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator: \(5x^2 - 20 = 5(x^2 - 4) = 5(x - 2)(x + 2)\). 2. Factor the denominator as a perfect-square trinomial: \(x^2 - 4x + 4 = (x - 2)^2\). 3. Cancel one factor of \(x - 2\): \(\frac{5(x - 2)(x + 2)}{(x - 2)^2} = \frac{5(x + 2)}{x - 2}\). 4. The original denominator requires \(x \ne 2\).

Answer

\(\frac{5(x + 2)}{x - 2}\), with \(x \ne 2\).
Simplify rational expressions 57
Simplify the rational expression completely by factoring and canceling. State the restrictions from the original denominator. \(\frac{a^2 + 2ab + b^2}{a^2 - b^2}\)

Hints

- Factor the numerator as a perfect square. - Factor the denominator as a difference of squares. - Preserve both factors that can make the original denominator zero.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator as a perfect-square trinomial: \(a^2 + 2ab + b^2 = (a + b)^2\). 2. Factor the denominator as a difference of squares: \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\). 3. Cancel one factor of \(a + b\): \(\frac{(a + b)^2}{(a + b)(a - b)} = \frac{a + b}{a - b}\). 4. The original denominator requires \(a + b \ne 0\) and \(a - b \ne 0\), equivalently \(a \ne -b\) and \(a \ne b\).

Answer

\(\frac{a + b}{a - b}\), with \(a \ne -b\) and \(a \ne b\).
Simplify rational expressions 58
Consider the rational function \(f(x)=\frac{x^2-6x+9}{4x^2-36}\). a) Factor the numerator and denominator completely. b) State the domain and simplify the rational expression as far as possible.

Hints

- Does the numerator match a perfect-square trinomial? - Factor out a common number from the denominator before using the difference of squares. - Which values make the original denominator zero? - Which factors appear in both the numerator and denominator?

Solution

1. Factor the numerator as a perfect square: \(x^2-6x+9=(x-3)^2\). 2. Factor the denominator: \(4x^2-36=4(x^2-9)=4(x-3)(x+3)\). 3. The original denominator is zero at \(x=-3\) and \(x=3\), so the domain is \(D_f=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-3, 3\}\). 4. Cancel one common factor of \(x-3\): \(f(x)=\frac{x-3}{4(x+3)}\), with the original domain restrictions still in effect.

Answer

a) \(f(x)=\frac{(x-3)^2}{4(x-3)(x+3)}\) b) \(D_f=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-3, 3\}\), and the simplified expression is \(f(x)=\frac{x-3}{4(x+3)}\).
Simplify rational expressions 59
Consider \(g(x)=\frac{2x^2-4x-6}{x^2+5x+4}\). Factor the numerator and denominator completely. Then state the domain and simplify the rational expression as far as possible.

Hints

- Use the zeros of a quadratic to write it as a product of linear factors. - First factor out the leading coefficient from the numerator. - Only factors, not terms in a sum, may be canceled. - Which values make the original denominator zero?

Solution

1. Factor out \(2\) from the numerator: \(2x^2-4x-6=2(x^2-2x-3)=2(x-3)(x+1)\). 2. Factor the denominator: \(x^2+5x+4=(x+4)(x+1)\). 3. The original denominator is zero at \(x=-4\) and \(x=-1\), so \(D_g=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4, -1\}\). 4. Cancel the common factor \(x+1\): \(g(x)=\frac{2(x-3)}{x+4}\), with the original domain restrictions still in effect.

Answer

Factored form: \(g(x)=\frac{2(x-3)(x+1)}{(x+4)(x+1)}\) Domain: \(D_g=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4, -1\}\) Simplified expression: \(g(x)=\frac{2(x-3)}{x+4}\)
Simplify rational expressions 60
Let \(f(x)=\frac{x^2+x-6}{x-2}+1\) and \(g(x)=\frac{2x^2+4x-16}{2x-4}\). Show that \(f\) and \(g\) are the same function.

Hints

- Compare the values excluded by the two denominators. - Factor the numerator of each rational expression. - Can the separate \(1\) in \(f(x)\) be combined with the fraction? - Two functions are identical only when both their domains and outputs agree.

Solution

1. Both denominators are zero at \(x=2\), so both functions have the domain \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{2\}\). 2. Factor and simplify \(f\): \(f(x)=\frac{(x-2)(x+3)}{x-2}+1=x+3+1=x+4\) for \(x\neq 2\). 3. Simplify \(g\): \(g(x)=\frac{2(x^2+2x-8)}{2(x-2)}=\frac{(x-2)(x+4)}{x-2}=x+4\) for \(x\neq 2\). 4. The two functions have the same domain and the same output \(x+4\) for every input in that domain. Therefore, they are identical.

Answer

Both functions have domain \(\mathbb{R}\setminus\{2\}\), and both simplify to \(x+4\) on that domain. Therefore, \(f=g\).
Simplify rational expressions 61
Simplify the rational expression by factoring the numerator and denominator. State the restrictions from the original denominator. \(\frac{x^3-6x^2+9x}{x^2-3x}\)

Hints

- What variable factor appears in every term of the numerator? - Does the remaining quadratic match a perfect-square trinomial? - Which factors appear in the denominator as well? - Which inputs must be excluded before any cancellation?

Solution

1. The original denominator is \(x(x-3)\), so \(x\ne 0\) and \(x\ne 3\). 2. Factor the numerator: \(x^3-6x^2+9x=x(x^2-6x+9)=x(x-3)^2\). 3. Cancel the common factors: \(\frac{x(x-3)^2}{x(x-3)}=x-3\), for \(x\ne 0,3\).

Answer

\(x-3\), for \(x\ne 0,3\).
Simplify rational expressions 62
Simplify the rational expression as far as possible: \(\frac{x^4\left(\frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^3}\right)}{x^2+2x+1}\)

Hints

- Distribute \(x^4\) through the terms in parentheses. - Factor the resulting numerator and denominator completely. - Look for a difference of squares and a perfect-square trinomial. - Which values make any part of the original expression undefined?

Solution

1. The original expression requires \(x\neq 0\). The denominator also requires \(x\neq -1\). 2. Simplify the numerator: \(x^4\left(\frac{1}{x}-\frac{1}{x^3}\right)=x^3-x\). 3. Factor the numerator: \(x^3-x=x(x^2-1)=x(x-1)(x+1)\). 4. Factor the denominator: \(x^2+2x+1=(x+1)^2\). 5. Cancel one common factor of \(x+1\): \(\frac{x(x-1)}{x+1}\), with the original restrictions \(x\neq 0\) and \(x\neq -1\).

Answer

\(\frac{x(x-1)}{x+1}\), for \(x\neq 0,-1\)
Simplify rational expressions 63
Let \(T(x)=\frac{4x^2-2x+7}{2x}\). a) Rewrite \(T(x)\) as a polynomial expression plus a rational expression. b) Evaluate \(T(x)\) when \(x=0.5\). c) For what value of \(x\) does the polynomial part of the rewritten expression equal \(10\)?

Hints

- Divide every term of the numerator by \(2x\). - The polynomial part is the part with no variable in a denominator. - Use the rewritten expression for parts b and c.

Solution

1. Divide each term in the numerator by \(2x\): \(T(x)=\frac{4x^2}{2x}-\frac{2x}{2x}+\frac{7}{2x}=2x-1+\frac{7}{2x}\), where \(x\ne0\). 2. For \(x=0.5\), \(T(0.5)=2\cdot0.5-1+\frac{7}{2\cdot0.5}=7\). 3. The polynomial part is \(2x-1\). Solve \(2x-1=10\): \(2x=11\), so \(x=5.5\).

Answer

a) \(2x-1+\frac{7}{2x}\), where \(x\ne0\) b) \(7\) c) \(x=5.5\)
Simplify rational expressions 64
Complete each task, including any restrictions from the original denominator. a) Find an expression \(D\) such that \(\frac{25-z^2}{D}=5-z\). b) Aisyah claims, “Dividing \(k^2-16\) by \(4-k\) gives \(k+4\).” Check the claim and justify your conclusion. c) Simplify \(\frac{9y^2-64}{3y+8}\).

Hints

- Look for algebraic structures that reveal common factors in each expression. - Pay close attention to the sign relationship between \(A-B\) and \(B-A\). - Preserve every input excluded by an original denominator.

Solution

1. Factor \(25-z^2=(5-z)(5+z)\). Dividing by \(D=5+z\) gives \(5-z\), provided \(z\ne-5\). 2. Factor \(k^2-16=(k-4)(k+4)\), while \(4-k=-(k-4)\). Thus \(\frac{(k-4)(k+4)}{-(k-4)}=-(k+4)=-k-4\), for \(k\ne4\). The claim is false. 3. Factor \(9y^2-64=(3y-8)(3y+8)\). The expression simplifies to \(3y-8\), where \(y\ne-\frac{8}{3}\).

Answer

a) \(D=5+z\), with \(z\ne-5\) b) The claim is false; the result is \(-k-4\), with \(k\ne4\). c) \(3y-8\), with \(y\ne-\frac{8}{3}\)
Simplify rational expressions 65
A mathematical expression is described as “the quotient of the sum of a number \(k\) and \(5\), and the difference between \(k^2\) and \(25\).” a) Write the rational expression. b) Factor the denominator, simplify the expression, and state the domain of the original expression. Explain the excluded values.

Hints

- Translate “quotient,” “sum,” and “difference” one part at a time. - Factor \(k^2 - 25\) as a difference of squares. - Which values make the original denominator zero?

Solution

1. The numerator is \(k + 5\), and the denominator is \(k^2 - 25\). The rational expression is \(\frac{k + 5}{k^2 - 25}\). 2. Factor the denominator as a difference of squares: \(k^2 - 25 = (k - 5)(k + 5)\). 3. The original denominator is zero at \(k = 5\) and \(k = -5\), so the original domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-5, 5\}\). 4. For values in the original domain, cancel \(k + 5\) to obtain \(\frac{1}{k - 5}\). The original restrictions \(k \ne -5\) and \(k \ne 5\) must still be retained when this simplified form represents the original expression.

Answer

a) \(\frac{k + 5}{k^2 - 25}\). b) The expression simplifies to \(\frac{1}{k - 5}\), with original domain \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-5, 5\}\). The excluded values make the original denominator zero.
Simplify rational expressions 66
Consider \(T(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x}{x}\). a) State the domain of the original expression. b) Simplify the expression for allowed values of \(x\), and evaluate \(T(4)\). c) Explain why \(T(0)\) is not equal to zero, even though substituting \(0\) into the numerator gives \(0\).

Hints

- Which input makes the denominator zero? - Can the numerator be written as a product of two factors? - At the disputed input, what happens to both parts of the original fraction? - Does a zero numerator guarantee a value of zero when the denominator is also zero?

Solution

1. The denominator is \(x\), so \(x \ne 0\). The original domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\}\). 2. Factor the numerator: \(x^2 - 4x = x(x - 4)\). For \(x \ne 0\), \(T(x) = \frac{x(x - 4)}{x} = x - 4\). 3. Evaluate at \(x = 4\): \(T(4) = 4 - 4 = 0\). 4. At \(x = 0\), the original denominator is also zero. A rational expression with denominator zero is undefined, even when the numerator is zero. Therefore, \(T(0)\) has no value.

Answer

a) \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{0\}\). b) \(T(x) = x - 4\) for \(x \ne 0\), and \(T(4) = 0\). c) \(T(0)\) is undefined because the original denominator equals zero.
Simplify rational expressions 67
For each rational expression, replace \(a\) with \(3a\) and \(b\) with \(3b\). Determine whether the value remains unchanged for every input allowed in both the original and transformed expressions. Justify each answer algebraically. a) \(\frac{5a}{b}\) b) \(\frac{a - b}{3a}\) c) \(\frac{a^2}{b^2 + a}\) d) \(\frac{a^2 + b^2}{ab}\)

Hints

- Substitute \(3a\) and \(3b\) using parentheses. - Simplify the transformed expression and compare it with the original. - Factor common constants from the entire numerator and denominator. - Apply exponent rules carefully to expressions such as \((3a)^2\).

Solution

1. For part a, \(\frac{5(3a)}{3b} = \frac{15a}{3b} = \frac{5a}{b}\), so the value is unchanged. 2. For part b, \(\frac{3a - 3b}{3(3a)} = \frac{3(a - b)}{9a} = \frac{a - b}{3a}\), so the value is unchanged. 3. For part c, \(\frac{(3a)^2}{(3b)^2 + 3a} = \frac{9a^2}{9b^2 + 3a} = \frac{3a^2}{3b^2 + a}\). This is not generally equal to \(\frac{a^2}{b^2 + a}\). For example, when \(a = 1\) and \(b = 1\), the values are \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(\frac{3}{4}\). 4. For part d, \(\frac{(3a)^2 + (3b)^2}{(3a)(3b)} = \frac{9(a^2 + b^2)}{9ab} = \frac{a^2 + b^2}{ab}\), so the value is unchanged.

Answer

a) Unchanged. b) Unchanged. c) Not unchanged in general. d) Unchanged. Thus, a), b), and d) are invariant under the simultaneous scaling.
Simplify rational expressions 68
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring first when needed. State the original restrictions. a) \(\frac{4a + 8b}{12}\) b) \(\frac{x^2 - 5x}{x}\) c) \(\frac{7m - 7n}{2n - 2m}\) d) \(\frac{3k^2 + 6k}{k^2 + 2k}\)

Hints

- Factor before canceling; do not cancel terms in a sum. - Find factors common to every term in a numerator or denominator. - In part c, how are the two binomials related when you reverse their terms? - Preserve all zeros of each original denominator.

Solution

1. For part a, factor \(4\) from the numerator: \(\frac{4(a + 2b)}{12} = \frac{a + 2b}{3}\). The denominator is a nonzero constant, so there is no variable restriction. 2. For part b, factor \(x\): \(\frac{x(x - 5)}{x} = x - 5\), with \(x \ne 0\). 3. For part c, factor \(7\) from the numerator and \(2\) from the denominator: \(\frac{7(m - n)}{2(n - m)}\). Since \(n - m = -(m - n)\), the result is \(-\frac{7}{2}\), with \(m \ne n\). 4. For part d, factor: \(\frac{3k(k + 2)}{k(k + 2)} = 3\), with \(k \ne 0\) and \(k \ne -2\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{a + 2b}{3}\); no variable restriction. b) \(x - 5\), with \(x \ne 0\). c) \(-\frac{7}{2}\), with \(m \ne n\). d) \(3\), with \(k \ne 0, -2\).
Simplify rational expressions 69
Consider \(T(x) = \frac{x^2 - 16}{3x + 12}\). a) State the domain of the original expression. b) Factor and simplify the expression completely. c) Evaluate \(T(2)\) using both the original and simplified forms.

Hints

- Find the input that makes the denominator zero. - Factor the numerator as a difference of squares. - Factor a common number from the denominator. - Use order of operations when substituting.

Solution

1. The denominator is zero when \(3x + 12 = 0\), so \(x = -4\). Thus, the original domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-4\}\). 2. Factor the numerator and denominator: \(x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)\) and \(3x + 12 = 3(x + 4)\). 3. Cancel \(x + 4\): \(\frac{(x - 4)(x + 4)}{3(x + 4)} = \frac{x - 4}{3}\), with \(x \ne -4\). 4. Using the original form, \(T(2) = \frac{2^2 - 16}{3 \cdot 2 + 12} = \frac{-12}{18} = -\frac{2}{3}\). 5. Using the simplified form, \(T(2) = \frac{2 - 4}{3} = -\frac{2}{3}\). The values agree.

Answer

a) \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-4\}\). b) \(\frac{x - 4}{3}\), with \(x \ne -4\). c) Both forms give \(-\frac{2}{3}\).
Simplify rational expressions 70
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring common factors or using special-product patterns. State the original restrictions. a) \(\frac{3x + 6}{x^2 + 2x}\) b) \(\frac{a^2 - a}{a^2 - 1}\) c) \(\frac{5y^2 + 10y}{15y}\) d) \(\frac{2b - 4}{b^2 - 4}\)

Hints

- Factor before canceling; do not cancel terms in a sum. - Look for common numerical or variable factors. - Use a difference of squares when it appears. - Cancel only identical factors. - Preserve the zeros of the original denominators.

Solution

1. For part a, factor: \(\frac{3(x + 2)}{x(x + 2)} = \frac{3}{x}\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(x \ne -2\). 2. For part b, factor: \(\frac{a(a - 1)}{(a - 1)(a + 1)} = \frac{a}{a + 1}\), with \(a \ne -1\) and \(a \ne 1\). 3. For part c, factor: \(\frac{5y(y + 2)}{15y} = \frac{y + 2}{3}\), with \(y \ne 0\). 4. For part d, factor: \(\frac{2(b - 2)}{(b - 2)(b + 2)} = \frac{2}{b + 2}\), with \(b \ne -2\) and \(b \ne 2\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{3}{x}\), with \(x \ne 0, -2\). b) \(\frac{a}{a + 1}\), with \(a \ne -1, 1\). c) \(\frac{y + 2}{3}\), with \(y \ne 0\). d) \(\frac{2}{b + 2}\), with \(b \ne -2, 2\).
Simplify rational expressions 71
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring and canceling. State the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{7a - 7b}{b - a}\) 2) \(\frac{x^2 - 3x}{6 - 2x}\) 3) \(\frac{12u^2v(2r - s)}{18uv^2(s - 2r)}\)

Hints

- Factor common constants and variables. - Reversing the order of a difference introduces a factor of \(-1\). - Reduce numerical coefficients separately from variable factors. - Look for binomial factors that match except for sign.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator: \(7a - 7b = 7(a - b)\). Since \(b - a = -(a - b)\), the expression simplifies to \(-7\), with \(a \ne b\). 2. Factor: \(x^2 - 3x = x(x - 3)\) and \(6 - 2x = 2(3 - x) = -2(x - 3)\). Cancel \(x - 3\) to obtain \(-\frac{x}{2}\), with \(x \ne 3\). 3. Use \(s - 2r = -(2r - s)\). Then cancel \(2r - s\), reduce \(\frac{12}{18}\), and cancel one factor each of \(u\) and \(v\): the result is \(-\frac{2u}{3v}\). The original restrictions are \(u \ne 0\), \(v \ne 0\), and \(s \ne 2r\).

Answer

1) \(-7\), with \(a \ne b\). 2) \(-\frac{x}{2}\), with \(x \ne 3\). 3) \(-\frac{2u}{3v}\), with \(u \ne 0\), \(v \ne 0\), and \(s \ne 2r\).
Simplify rational expressions 72
Consider \(T(x)=\frac{4x-12}{8x}\). a) Simplify the expression completely and state its original restriction. b) Ximena says, “I can cancel the \(x\) in the numerator and denominator, leaving \(\frac{4-12}{8}\).” Explain why this is incorrect. c) Evaluate \(T(5)\).

Hints

- Identify common factors of the entire numerator and denominator before canceling. - Ask whether \(x\) divides every term in the numerator. - Check the original denominator for restrictions and use either equivalent form to verify the numerical value.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator: \(4x-12=4(x-3)\). Then \(\frac{4(x-3)}{8x}=\frac{x-3}{2x}\), with \(x\ne0\). 2. Ximena's method is incorrect because \(x\) is not a factor of the entire numerator \(4x-12\). Terms in a difference cannot be canceled separately. 3. Substitute \(x=5\) into the simplified expression: \(T(5)=\frac{5-3}{2\cdot5}=\frac{2}{10}=\frac{1}{5}=0.2\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{x-3}{2x}\), with \(x\ne0\). b) Cancellation applies to common factors of the entire numerator and denominator, not to individual terms in a difference. c) \(T(5)=\frac{1}{5}=0.2\).
Simplify rational expressions 73
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring common factors and using special-product patterns. State the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{7x - 14}{x^2 - 4}\) 2) \(\frac{b^2 + 10b + 25}{b^2 - 25}\) 3) \(\frac{z^2 - z}{z^2 - 2z + 1}\)

Hints

- Factor common constants or variables first. - Look for differences of squares and perfect-square trinomials. - Cancel only identical factors. - Preserve all zeros of the original denominators.

Solution

1. Factor: \(\frac{7(x - 2)}{(x - 2)(x + 2)} = \frac{7}{x + 2}\), with \(x \ne -2\) and \(x \ne 2\). 2. Factor: \(b^2 + 10b + 25 = (b + 5)^2\) and \(b^2 - 25 = (b - 5)(b + 5)\). Cancel one factor of \(b + 5\) to obtain \(\frac{b + 5}{b - 5}\), with \(b \ne -5\) and \(b \ne 5\). 3. Factor: \(\frac{z(z - 1)}{(z - 1)^2} = \frac{z}{z - 1}\), with \(z \ne 1\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{7}{x + 2}\), with \(x \ne -2, 2\). 2) \(\frac{b + 5}{b - 5}\), with \(b \ne -5, 5\). 3) \(\frac{z}{z - 1}\), with \(z \ne 1\).
Simplify rational expressions 74
Simplify each rational expression completely and state the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{2a^2 - 32}{a^2 - 8a + 16}\) 2) \(\frac{x^2 - y^2}{2x + 2y}\) 3) \(\frac{m^3 - m}{m^2 - m}\)

Hints

- Factor out a common constant before using a special-product pattern. - Look for a difference of squares. - In part 3, factor in more than one stage. - Continue checking for common factors after each step.

Solution

1. Factor: \(2a^2 - 32 = 2(a^2 - 16) = 2(a - 4)(a + 4)\) and \(a^2 - 8a + 16 = (a - 4)^2\). Cancel one factor of \(a - 4\) to obtain \(\frac{2(a + 4)}{a - 4}\), with \(a \ne 4\). 2. Factor: \(x^2 - y^2 = (x - y)(x + y)\) and \(2x + 2y = 2(x + y)\). Cancel \(x + y\) to obtain \(\frac{x - y}{2}\), with \(x + y \ne 0\). 3. Factor: \(m^3 - m = m(m^2 - 1) = m(m - 1)(m + 1)\) and \(m^2 - m = m(m - 1)\). Cancel \(m(m - 1)\) to obtain \(m + 1\), with \(m \ne 0\) and \(m \ne 1\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{2(a + 4)}{a - 4}\), with \(a \ne 4\). 2) \(\frac{x - y}{2}\), with \(x + y \ne 0\). 3) \(m + 1\), with \(m \ne 0, 1\).
Simplify rational expressions 75
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring the numerator and denominator. State the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{5x - 15}{x^2 - 9}\) 2) \(\frac{a^2 + 4a + 4}{3a + 6}\) 3) \(\frac{y^2 - x^2}{(x - y)^2}\)

Hints

- Factor common constants first. - Look for differences of squares and perfect-square trinomials. - Cancel only factors, not terms in a sum. - Remember that squaring a binomial removes the effect of reversing its sign.

Solution

1. Factor: \(\frac{5(x - 3)}{(x - 3)(x + 3)} = \frac{5}{x + 3}\), with \(x \ne -3\) and \(x \ne 3\). 2. Factor: \(\frac{(a + 2)^2}{3(a + 2)} = \frac{a + 2}{3}\), with \(a \ne -2\). 3. Factor the numerator: \(y^2 - x^2 = (y - x)(y + x)\). Because \((x - y)^2 = (y - x)^2\), cancel one factor of \(y - x\) to obtain \(\frac{x + y}{y - x}\), with \(x \ne y\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{5}{x + 3}\), with \(x \ne -3, 3\). 2) \(\frac{a + 2}{3}\), with \(a \ne -2\). 3) \(\frac{x + y}{y - x}\), with \(x \ne y\).
Simplify rational expressions 76
Consider \(T(x)=\frac{x^2-x}{1-x^2}\). 1. Simplify the expression completely and state the original restrictions. 2. Sindre says, “Substituting \(x=1\) gives \(\frac{0}{0}\), so the value is \(0\).” Explain why this reasoning is incorrect. 3. Evaluate \(T(-2)\).

Hints

- Look for common factors while keeping track of sign changes. - Record all zeros of the original denominator before simplifying. - Before deciding whether Sindre is correct, check if the original fraction represents a valid division at the disputed input.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator as \(x(x-1)\). Factor the denominator as \(1-x^2=(1-x)(1+x)=-(x-1)(x+1)\). 2. Cancel \(x-1\): \(T(x)=-\frac{x}{x+1}\), with the original restrictions \(x\ne-1\) and \(x\ne1\). 3. At \(x=1\), the original denominator is zero. Division by zero is undefined, and \(\frac{0}{0}\) does not equal zero. 4. Substitute \(x=-2\) into the simplified form: \(T(-2)=-\frac{-2}{-2+1}=\frac{2}{-1}=-2\).

Answer

1. \(-\frac{x}{x+1}\), with \(x\ne-1,1\). 2. \(\frac{0}{0}\) is undefined, not zero. 3. \(T(-2)=-2\).
Simplify rational expressions 77
Simplify each rational expression completely and state the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{x^2 - 16y^2}{12y - 3x}\) 2) \(\frac{3a^3b - 3ab^3}{6a^2b + 6ab^2}\)

Hints

- Factor differences of squares. - Factor out \(-1\) when two binomials have reversed terms. - Remove common numerical and variable factors before canceling binomials.

Solution

1. Factor the numerator as \((x - 4y)(x + 4y)\). Factor the denominator as \(12y - 3x = -3(x - 4y)\). Cancel \(x - 4y\) to obtain \(-\frac{x + 4y}{3}\), with \(x \ne 4y\). 2. Factor the numerator: \(3a^3b - 3ab^3 = 3ab(a^2 - b^2) = 3ab(a - b)(a + b)\). Factor the denominator: \(6a^2b + 6ab^2 = 6ab(a + b)\). Cancel \(3ab(a + b)\) to obtain \(\frac{a - b}{2}\), with \(a \ne 0\), \(b \ne 0\), and \(a \ne -b\).

Answer

1) \(-\frac{x + 4y}{3}\), with \(x \ne 4y\). 2) \(\frac{a - b}{2}\), with \(a \ne 0\), \(b \ne 0\), and \(a \ne -b\).
Simplify rational expressions 78
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring common factors and using special-product patterns. State the original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{z^2 - 9}{z^2 + 3z}\) 2) \(\frac{a^2b - ab^2}{a^2 - b^2}\) 3) \(\frac{2x^3 - 2xy^2}{x^2 + xy}\)

Hints

- Use a difference of squares when possible. - Factor common variables before applying a special-product pattern. - Factor the numerator and denominator separately. - Cancel only identical factors.

Solution

1. Factor: \(\frac{(z - 3)(z + 3)}{z(z + 3)} = \frac{z - 3}{z}\), with \(z \ne 0\) and \(z \ne -3\). 2. Factor: \(\frac{ab(a - b)}{(a - b)(a + b)} = \frac{ab}{a + b}\), with \(a \ne b\) and \(a \ne -b\). 3. Factor: \(2x^3 - 2xy^2 = 2x(x^2 - y^2) = 2x(x - y)(x + y)\) and \(x^2 + xy = x(x + y)\). Cancel \(x(x + y)\) to obtain \(2(x - y)\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(x \ne -y\).

Answer

1) \(\frac{z - 3}{z}\), with \(z \ne 0, -3\). 2) \(\frac{ab}{a + b}\), with \(a \ne b\) and \(a \ne -b\). 3) \(2(x - y)\), with \(x \ne 0\) and \(x \ne -y\).
Simplify rational expressions 79
Simplify each rational expression completely and state any original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{x^2 - 9}{x^4 - 81}\) 2) \(\frac{16a^4 - 1}{4a^2 + 1}\)

Hints

- View \(x^4\) as \((x^2)^2\). - Apply the difference-of-squares pattern. - Look for a factor common to the numerator and denominator. - Check whether any remaining denominator can be zero over the real numbers.

Solution

1. Factor the denominator as a difference of squares: \(x^4 - 81 = (x^2 - 9)(x^2 + 9)\). Cancel \(x^2 - 9\) to obtain \(\frac{1}{x^2 + 9}\). The original denominator is zero at \(x = -3\) and \(x = 3\). 2. Factor the numerator as a difference of squares: \(16a^4 - 1 = (4a^2 - 1)(4a^2 + 1)\). Cancel \(4a^2 + 1\) to obtain \(4a^2 - 1\). Because \(4a^2 + 1 > 0\) for every real \(a\), there is no real restriction.

Answer

1) \(\frac{1}{x^2 + 9}\), with \(x \ne -3, 3\). 2) \(4a^2 - 1\); no real restriction.
Simplify rational expressions 80
Simplify each rational expression completely by factoring common factors and using special-product patterns. State the original restrictions. a) \(\frac{x^2 - 10x + 25}{x^2 - 25}\) b) \(\frac{2a^2 + 4ab + 2b^2}{6a^2 - 6b^2}\)

Hints

- Look for perfect-square trinomials and differences of squares. - Factor out common numerical factors first. - Cancel only factors common to the entire numerator and denominator. - Preserve every zero of the original denominator.

Solution

1. For part a, factor the numerator and denominator: \(x^2 - 10x + 25 = (x - 5)^2\) and \(x^2 - 25 = (x - 5)(x + 5)\). Cancel one factor of \(x - 5\) to obtain \(\frac{x - 5}{x + 5}\), with \(x \ne -5\) and \(x \ne 5\). 2. For part b, factor: \(2a^2 + 4ab + 2b^2 = 2(a + b)^2\) and \(6a^2 - 6b^2 = 6(a - b)(a + b)\). Reduce \(\frac{2}{6}\) and cancel one factor of \(a + b\) to obtain \(\frac{a + b}{3(a - b)}\), with \(a \ne b\) and \(a \ne -b\).

Answer

a) \(\frac{x - 5}{x + 5}\), with \(x \ne -5, 5\). b) \(\frac{a + b}{3(a - b)}\), with \(a \ne b\) and \(a \ne -b\).
Simplify rational expressions 81
Simplify the rational expression completely. State the original restrictions. \(\frac{4a^2 - 16ab + 16b^2}{6a^2 - 24b^2}\)

Hints

- First factor out any common numerical factors. - Look for a perfect-square trinomial and a difference of squares. - Cancel only factors common to the entire numerator and denominator. - Preserve the zeros of the original denominator.

Solution

1. Factor out the greatest common factors: \(\frac{4(a^2 - 4ab + 4b^2)}{6(a^2 - 4b^2)}\). 2. Factor the perfect-square trinomial and the difference of squares: \(a^2 - 4ab + 4b^2 = (a - 2b)^2\) and \(a^2 - 4b^2 = (a - 2b)(a + 2b)\). 3. Substitute the factors: \(\frac{4(a - 2b)^2}{6(a - 2b)(a + 2b)}\). 4. Reduce \(\frac{4}{6}\) and cancel one factor of \(a - 2b\) to obtain \(\frac{2(a - 2b)}{3(a + 2b)}\). 5. Preserve the restrictions from the original denominator: \(a \ne 2b\) and \(a \ne -2b\).

Answer

\(\frac{2(a - 2b)}{3(a + 2b)}\), with \(a \ne 2b\) and \(a \ne -2b\).
Simplify rational expressions 82
Simplify the rational expression by factoring, and then evaluate it for the given values. \(\frac{x^2 + 2xy + y^2 - z^2}{x^2 - y^2 + 2yz - z^2}\) Use \(x = 5.6\), \(y = 2.4\), and \(z = 3.2\). State the original restrictions.

Hints

- Look for perfect-square trinomials inside the numerator and denominator. - Rewrite each expression as a difference of squares. - Factor completely before canceling. - Substitute the values only after simplifying.

Solution

1. Rewrite the numerator as a difference of squares: \(x^2 + 2xy + y^2 - z^2 = (x + y)^2 - z^2 = (x + y - z)(x + y + z)\). 2. Rewrite the denominator: \(x^2 - y^2 + 2yz - z^2 = x^2 - (y - z)^2 = (x - y + z)(x + y - z)\). 3. Cancel the common factor \(x + y - z\) to obtain \(\frac{x + y + z}{x - y + z}\). 4. Substitute the given values: \(\frac{5.6 + 2.4 + 3.2}{5.6 - 2.4 + 3.2} = \frac{11.2}{6.4} = 1.75\). 5. The original denominator requires \(x + y - z \ne 0\) and \(x - y + z \ne 0\).

Answer

\(\frac{x + y + z}{x - y + z} = 1.75\), with \(x + y - z \ne 0\) and \(x - y + z \ne 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 83
Consider \(T = \frac{a^2 - b^2 - c^2 - 2bc}{a + b + c}\). a) Simplify \(T\) completely by factoring. b) Evaluate \(T\) for \(a = 15.5\), \(b = 2.75\), and \(c = 1.25\). c) State when the original expression is undefined.

Hints

- Can you group the three terms involving \(b\) and \(c\) to recognize a familiar pattern? - Which factoring pattern applies when two squares are subtracted? - A rational expression is undefined when its denominator equals zero.

Solution

1. Group the last three terms in the numerator: \(a^2 - (b^2 + 2bc + c^2)\). 2. Recognize a perfect-square trinomial: \(a^2 - (b + c)^2\). 3. Factor the difference of squares: \((a - b - c)(a + b + c)\). 4. Cancel \(a + b + c\) to obtain \(T = a - b - c\), provided \(a + b + c \ne 0\). 5. Substitute the values: \(15.5 - 2.75 - 1.25 = 11.5\). 6. The original expression is undefined when \(a + b + c = 0\).

Answer

a) \(a - b - c\), with \(a + b + c \ne 0\). b) \(11.5\) c) Undefined when \(a + b + c = 0\).
Simplify rational expressions 84
Divide: \((12a^2-4ab+15a-5b)\div(3a-b)\)

Hints

- Group the four terms into two pairs. - Factor a common factor from each pair. - Look for the divisor as a common binomial factor.

Solution

1. Group the numerator: \((12a^2-4ab)+(15a-5b)\). 2. Factor each group: \(4a(3a-b)+5(3a-b)\). 3. Factor out the common binomial: \((4a+5)(3a-b)\). 4. Divide by \(3a-b\) to get \(4a+5\). 5. The original quotient requires \(3a-b\ne0\).

Answer

\(4a+5\), where \(3a-b\ne0\)
Simplify rational expressions 85
Factor each numerator and simplify. Assume each divisor is nonzero. a) \(\frac{169p^2-144q^2}{12q+13p}\) b) \(\frac{k^4-16}{k^2-4}\) c) \(\frac{25r^2-36s^2}{6s-5r}\)

Hints

- Factor each difference of squares. - Addition is commutative, but reversing a subtraction changes its sign. - Keep restrictions from the original divisors.

Solution

1. a) \(169p^2-144q^2=(13p-12q)(13p+12q)\). Since \(12q+13p=13p+12q\), the result is \(13p-12q\), where \(13p+12q\ne0\). 2. b) \(k^4-16=(k^2-4)(k^2+4)\), so the result is \(k^2+4\), where \(k^2-4\ne0\). 3. c) \(25r^2-36s^2=(5r-6s)(5r+6s)\), while \(6s-5r=-(5r-6s)\). Thus the result is \(-5r-6s\), where \(6s-5r\ne0\).

Answer

a) \(13p-12q\), where \(13p+12q\ne0\) b) \(k^2+4\), where \(k\ne2\) and \(k\ne-2\) c) \(-5r-6s\), where \(6s-5r\ne0\)
Simplify rational expressions 86
Noor claims, “If a denominator contains \(x^2\), there are always exactly two values that cannot be used for \(x\).” Test the claim by finding the domain of each expression: \(A(x)=\frac{12}{x^2-16}\) \(B(x)=\frac{12}{x^2+16}\) Then evaluate Noor's claim.

Hints

- A rational expression is undefined when its denominator is zero. - Compare the real solutions of the two denominator equations. - One counterexample is enough to disprove a universal claim.

Solution

1. For \(A(x)\), the denominator is zero when \(x^2-16=0\). Factoring gives \((x-4)(x+4)=0\), so \(x=-4\) or \(x=4\). Thus, \(D_A=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4,4\}\). 2. For \(B(x)\), the denominator would be zero if \(x^2=-16\). No real number has a negative square, so \(D_B=\mathbb{R}\). 3. The claim is false. The expression \(B(x)\) is a counterexample: its denominator contains \(x^2\), but no real input is excluded.

Answer

\(D_A=\mathbb{R}\setminus\{-4,4\}\). \(D_B=\mathbb{R}\). Noor's claim is false because \(B(x)\) has no excluded real inputs.
Simplify rational expressions 87
A function \(h\) must have domain \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{2\}\). a) Give one possible formula for \(h\). b) Use the form \(h(x) = \frac{k}{x - 2}\). Determine \(k\) so that \(h(3) = 10\), and write the resulting formula. c) In the formula from part b, replace the denominator with \(x^2 + 1\). Determine the new domain and justify your answer.

Hints

- What denominator is zero at exactly \(x = 2\)? - Substitute the given input and output into the formula containing \(k\). - Can \(x^2 + 1\) equal zero for any real number?

Solution

1. To exclude only \(x = 2\), choose a denominator that is zero at \(x = 2\). One possible formula is \(h(x) = \frac{1}{x - 2}\). 2. Substitute \(x = 3\) and \(h(3) = 10\) into \(h(x) = \frac{k}{x - 2}\): \(10 = \frac{k}{3 - 2} = k\). Thus, \(k = 10\), so \(h(x) = \frac{10}{x - 2}\). 3. After the replacement, \(h(x) = \frac{10}{x^2 + 1}\). For every real number \(x\), \(x^2 \ge 0\), so \(x^2 + 1 \ge 1\). The denominator is never zero, so the new domain is \(\mathbb{R}\).

Answer

a) One possible formula is \(h(x) = \frac{1}{x - 2}\). b) \(k = 10\), so \(h(x) = \frac{10}{x - 2}\). c) The new domain is \(\mathbb{R}\) because \(x^2 + 1\) is never zero for real \(x\).
Simplify rational expressions 88
Consider \(f(x) = \frac{2x + 6}{x^2 - 9}\) and \(g(x) = \frac{2}{x - 3}\). a) State the domain of each function. b) Simplify the expression for \(f\) as far as possible. c) Are \(f\) and \(g\) the same function? Justify your answer using parts a) and b).

Hints

- Factor the numerator and denominator before canceling. - Determine the domain from each original expression. - A function is determined by both its rule and its domain. - Check whether one function is defined at an input where the other is not.

Solution

1. Factor the denominator of \(f\): \(x^2 - 9 = (x + 3)(x - 3)\). Therefore, \(f\) is undefined at \(x = -3\) and \(x = 3\), so its domain is \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{-3, 3\}\). 2. The function \(g\) is undefined only at \(x = 3\), so its domain is \(\mathbb{R} \setminus \{3\}\). 3. Factor the numerator: \(2x + 6 = 2(x + 3)\). For inputs in the domain of \(f\), \(f(x) = \frac{2(x + 3)}{(x + 3)(x - 3)} = \frac{2}{x - 3}\). 4. Although the simplified expressions agree wherever \(f\) is defined, the domains are different. In particular, \(g(-3)\) is defined but \(f(-3)\) is not. 5. Therefore, \(f\) and \(g\) are not the same function.

Answer

a) \(D_f = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-3, 3\}\); \(D_g = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{3\}\) b) For \(x \in D_f\), \(f(x) = \frac{2}{x - 3}\); \(x=-3\) remains excluded. c) No. The expressions agree on \(D_f\), but the functions have different domains.
Simplify rational expressions 89
Find one rational function \(f(x)\) that satisfies all three conditions: 1. Its domain is \(D = \mathbb{R} \setminus \{-2, 5\}\). 2. It has a zero at \(x = 0\). 3. \(f(1) = -\frac{1}{12}\).

Hints

- How can the excluded inputs be represented as factors in a denominator? - What factor in the numerator creates a zero at \(x = 0\)? - Use an unknown constant in the numerator. - Substitute \(x = 1\) to determine that constant.

Solution

1. To exclude \(x = -2\) and \(x = 5\), use the denominator \((x + 2)(x - 5)\). 2. To create a zero at \(x = 0\), include a factor of \(x\) in the numerator. Let \(f(x) = \frac{cx}{(x + 2)(x - 5)}\). 3. Apply the condition \(f(1) = -\frac{1}{12}\): \(-\frac{1}{12} = \frac{c}{(1 + 2)(1 - 5)} = \frac{c}{-12}\). 4. Therefore, \(c = 1\), and one possible function is \(f(x) = \frac{x}{(x + 2)(x - 5)}\). 5. The numerator shares no factor with the denominator, so both excluded values remain outside the domain.

Answer

One possible function is \(f(x) = \frac{x}{(x + 2)(x - 5)}\).
Simplify rational expressions 90
Simplify each rational expression completely and state any original restrictions. 1) \(\frac{(x^2 + y^2)^2 - (2xy)^2}{x^2 - y^2}\) 2) \(\frac{b^8 - 1}{(b^4 + 1)(b^2 + 1)}\)

Hints

- Treat a complicated numerator as a difference of two squares. - Recognize perfect-square trinomials inside the factors. - Factor repeatedly until denominator factors appear. - Apply the difference-of-squares pattern more than once.

Solution

1. Treat the numerator as a difference of squares: \((x^2 + y^2 - 2xy)(x^2 + y^2 + 2xy)\). 2. Recognize perfect squares: \(x^2 + y^2 - 2xy = (x - y)^2\) and \(x^2 + y^2 + 2xy = (x + y)^2\). Thus, the numerator is \((x - y)^2(x + y)^2 = (x^2 - y^2)^2\). 3. Cancel one factor of \(x^2 - y^2\) to obtain \(x^2 - y^2\), with \(x \ne y\) and \(x \ne -y\). 4. For part 2, factor repeatedly: \(b^8 - 1 = (b^4 - 1)(b^4 + 1) = (b^2 - 1)(b^2 + 1)(b^4 + 1)\). 5. Cancel \(b^4 + 1\) and \(b^2 + 1\) to obtain \(b^2 - 1\). Both original denominator factors are positive for every real \(b\), so there is no real restriction.

Answer

1) \(x^2 - y^2\), with \(x \ne y\) and \(x \ne -y\). 2) \(b^2 - 1\); no real restriction.

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