Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (2 / (x - 2) + 1 / (x + 2)) / (6 / (x^2 - 4))

Solution

The given expression is:

2x2+1x+26x24\frac{\frac{2}{x-2} + \frac{1}{x+2}}{\frac{6}{x^2 - 4}}

Step-by-step simplification:

1. Simplify the denominator:

The denominator is 6x24\frac{6}{x^2 - 4}. We can factor x24x^2 - 4 as:

x24=(x2)(x+2)x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2)

So the denominator becomes:

6(x2)(x+2)\frac{6}{(x-2)(x+2)}

2. Simplify the numerator:

The numerator is the sum of two fractions:

2x2+1x+2\frac{2}{x-2} + \frac{1}{x+2}

To add these fractions, we need a common denominator. The common denominator is (x2)(x+2)(x - 2)(x + 2). So we rewrite both fractions with this common denominator:

2x2=2(x+2)(x2)(x+2)\frac{2}{x-2} = \frac{2(x+2)}{(x-2)(x+2)} 1x+2=1(x2)(x2)(x+2)\frac{1}{x+2} = \frac{1(x-2)}{(x-2)(x+2)}

Now, combine the numerators:

2(x+2)+(x2)(x2)(x+2)\frac{2(x+2) + (x-2)}{(x-2)(x+2)}

Simplify the numerator:

2(x+2)+(x2)=2x+4+x2=3x+22(x+2) + (x-2) = 2x + 4 + x - 2 = 3x + 2

So the entire numerator is:

3x+2(x2)(x+2)\frac{3x + 2}{(x-2)(x+2)}

3. Combine the entire expression:

Now, we have:

3x+2(x2)(x+2)6(x2)(x+2)\frac{\frac{3x + 2}{(x-2)(x+2)}}{\frac{6}{(x-2)(x+2)}}

This is a complex fraction, and we can simplify by multiplying by the reciprocal of the denominator:

3x+2(x2)(x+2)×(x2)(x+2)6\frac{3x + 2}{(x-2)(x+2)} \times \frac{(x-2)(x+2)}{6}

Cancel out (x2)(x+2)(x-2)(x+2) from the numerator and denominator:

3x+26\frac{3x + 2}{6}

Thus, the simplified expression is:

3x+26\frac{3x + 2}{6}

Let me know if you'd like more details or if you have any questions!

Related Questions:

  1. How do you add fractions with different denominators?
  2. What is the factored form of x24x^2 - 4?
  3. How do you simplify complex fractions?
  4. Why is it important to cancel common factors in fractions?
  5. What are the rules for simplifying algebraic expressions?

Tip:

When simplifying complex fractions, always look for common factors that can be canceled out to make the process easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplifying Fractions
Factoring Quadratics
Complex Fractions

Formulas

Factoring: x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2)
Adding fractions: (a/b) + (c/d) = (ad + bc) / bd
Multiplying by the reciprocal: (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c)

Theorems

Distributive Property
Properties of Fractions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12