Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression (a√a - b√b) / (√a - √b) + √ab;

Solution

This expression can be simplified algebraically. The given problem is:

aabbab+ab.\frac{a\sqrt{a} - b\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b}} + \sqrt{ab}.

Step-by-Step Simplification:

  1. Simplify the fraction: aabbab\frac{a\sqrt{a} - b\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b}}

    The numerator aabba\sqrt{a} - b\sqrt{b} can be expressed as: a(a)b(b),\sqrt{a}(a) - \sqrt{b}(b), which is already factored partially.

    The denominator ab\sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b} suggests a rationalization approach.

  2. Rationalize the denominator (multiply numerator and denominator by a+b\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}): aabbaba+ba+b.\frac{a\sqrt{a} - b\sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a} - \sqrt{b}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}}{\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}}.

    The denominator becomes: (a)2(b)2=ab.(\sqrt{a})^2 - (\sqrt{b})^2 = a - b.

    The numerator becomes: (aabb)(a+b)=aaa+aabbbabbb.(a\sqrt{a} - b\sqrt{b})(\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b}) = a\sqrt{a}\sqrt{a} + a\sqrt{a}\sqrt{b} - b\sqrt{b}\sqrt{a} - b\sqrt{b}\sqrt{b}.

    Simplify each term: a2+aabbabb2.a^2 + a\sqrt{ab} - b\sqrt{ab} - b^2.

    Combine: a2b2+(ab)ab.a^2 - b^2 + (a - b)\sqrt{ab}.

    So the fraction becomes: a2b2+(ab)abab.\frac{a^2 - b^2 + (a - b)\sqrt{ab}}{a - b}.

  3. Simplify further: Split the terms: a2b2ab+(ab)abab.\frac{a^2 - b^2}{a - b} + \frac{(a - b)\sqrt{ab}}{a - b}.

    The first term simplifies using the difference of squares: a2b2ab=a+b.\frac{a^2 - b^2}{a - b} = a + b.

    The second term simplifies: (ab)abab=ab.\frac{(a - b)\sqrt{ab}}{a - b} = \sqrt{ab}.

    So the simplified fraction is: (a+b)+ab.(a + b) + \sqrt{ab}.

  4. Add the remaining term (+ab+ \sqrt{ab}): Combine the terms: (a+b)+ab+ab.(a + b) + \sqrt{ab} + \sqrt{ab}.

    This simplifies to: a+b+2ab.a + b + 2\sqrt{ab}.

Final Answer:

a+b+2ab.a + b + 2\sqrt{ab}.

Let me know if you need additional clarification! 😊

Related Questions:

  1. How does the process of rationalizing a denominator work in general?
  2. Why is the difference of squares helpful in simplifying this problem?
  3. What happens if a=ba = b in the original expression?
  4. Can you generalize this result for similar types of expressions?
  5. How would this change if additional terms were added to the numerator?

Tip:

Always look for common algebraic patterns like factoring or the difference of squares to simplify complex fractions effectively.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplification of Fractions
Rationalization
Square Roots

Formulas

Difference of Squares: (x^2 - y^2) = (x - y)(x + y)
Rationalization: Multiply numerator and denominator by conjugate
Simplifying square roots: √(xy) = √x * √y

Theorems

Difference of Squares Theorem
Basic Properties of Square Roots

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11