Math Problem Statement

Perform the following multiplication: (10x^2 + 13x - 3) / (x^2 - 4x + 4) * (x^2 - 4) / (5x^2 + 9x - 2)

Solution

The expression you need to multiply is:

10x2+13x3x24x+4x245x2+9x2\frac{10x^2 + 13x - 3}{x^2 - 4x + 4} \cdot \frac{x^2 - 4}{5x^2 + 9x - 2}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Factorize the expressions in the numerators and denominators where possible.

    • The denominator of the first fraction is x24x+4x^2 - 4x + 4, which is a perfect square trinomial and can be factored as: x24x+4=(x2)2x^2 - 4x + 4 = (x - 2)^2

    • The numerator of the second fraction is x24x^2 - 4, which is a difference of squares and can be factored as: x24=(x2)(x+2)x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2)

    • The quadratic expressions 10x2+13x310x^2 + 13x - 3 and 5x2+9x25x^2 + 9x - 2 require factoring by grouping or the quadratic formula:

      For 10x2+13x310x^2 + 13x - 3, factor it by grouping: 10x2+13x3=(5x1)(2x+3)10x^2 + 13x - 3 = (5x - 1)(2x + 3) For 5x2+9x25x^2 + 9x - 2, factor it as: 5x2+9x2=(5x1)(x+2)5x^2 + 9x - 2 = (5x - 1)(x + 2)

  2. Rewrite the expression with these factors:

    (5x1)(2x+3)(x2)2(x2)(x+2)(5x1)(x+2)\frac{(5x - 1)(2x + 3)}{(x - 2)^2} \cdot \frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{(5x - 1)(x + 2)}

  3. Cancel out the common factors from the numerator and denominator:

    • The factor (5x1)(5x - 1) cancels out.
    • The factor (x2)(x - 2) cancels one of the terms from the first denominator (x2)2(x - 2)^2.
    • The factor (x+2)(x + 2) cancels out as well.

    After canceling, we are left with: 2x+3x2\frac{2x + 3}{x - 2}

Thus, the result of the multiplication is:

2x+3x2\boxed{\frac{2x + 3}{x - 2}}

Would you like more details or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you factor general quadratic trinomials?
  2. What are some methods to simplify complex algebraic fractions?
  3. Can you always cancel terms in a fraction? What are the conditions?
  4. How can the difference of squares be identified and factored?
  5. What is the process for multiplying rational expressions in general?

Tip: Always check for common factors before multiplying fractions to simplify your work early.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Factoring
Quadratic Equations
Rational Expressions

Formulas

Factoring trinomials: ax^2 + bx + c = (mx + n)(px + q)
Difference of squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

Theorems

Factoring theorem
Difference of squares theorem
Multiplying rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11