Math Problem Statement

Determine the LCD for the following pairs of rational expressions: 1. 1/3 and 2/(x+1) 2. 1/x and 3/(2x) 3. 2/x and 1/(x-2) 4. 1/4 and 1/(4x+8) 5. 1/(x+1) and 2/(x-1)

Solution

Let's work through determining the LCD (Least Common Denominator) for each pair of rational expressions in the image:

  1. 13\frac{1}{3} and 2x+1\frac{2}{x+1}:

    • The denominators are 33 and x+1x + 1.
    • The LCD is simply the product of these distinct terms: 3(x+1)3(x + 1).
  2. 1x\frac{1}{x} and 32x\frac{3}{2x}:

    • The denominators are xx and 2x2x. Since they share the factor xx, the LCD is the highest degree of the shared factor 2x2x: 2x2x.
  3. 2x\frac{2}{x} and 1x2\frac{1}{x - 2}:

    • The denominators are xx and x2x - 2.
    • Since these terms are distinct, the LCD is their product: x(x2)x(x - 2).
  4. 14\frac{1}{4} and 14x+8\frac{1}{4x + 8}:

    • The denominators are 44 and 4x+84x + 8. The second denominator can be factored as 4(x+2)4(x + 2).
    • The LCD is the highest power of the factor 4(x+2)4(x + 2), so the LCD is: 4(x+2)4(x + 2).
  5. 1x+1\frac{1}{x + 1} and 2x1\frac{2}{x - 1}:

    • The denominators are x+1x + 1 and x1x - 1.
    • Since these terms are distinct, the LCD is their product: (x+1)(x1)(x + 1)(x - 1).

Would you like a deeper explanation on any of these steps or additional details?

Here are 5 related questions to help solidify your understanding:

  1. How do you find the LCD when the denominators contain polynomial expressions?
  2. Why is it important to factor the denominators before determining the LCD?
  3. What would the LCD be for 12x\frac{1}{2x} and 33x+6\frac{3}{3x + 6}?
  4. How does the LCD help in adding or subtracting rational expressions?
  5. How would the LCD change if both denominators shared more than one factor?

Tip: Always factor expressions in the denominator to simplify finding the LCD, especially when dealing with polynomials.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Least Common Denominator

Formulas

LCD for rational expressions
Factoring polynomials
Multiplication of denominators

Theorems

Theorem of common denominators

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10