Math Problem Statement

Simplify the complex fraction involving rational expressions with different denominators as shown in the provided image.

Solution

To solve the given complex fraction step by step, we will first analyze the numerator and denominator separately and then divide them.

Problem:

\frac{\frac{\frac{1}{2y-2} + \frac{3}{5}}{\frac{2}{y+1} + \frac{1}{y-1}}}

Step 1: Simplify the numerator

The numerator of the large fraction is: 12y2+35.\frac{1}{2y-2} + \frac{3}{5}.

To add these fractions, find a common denominator. Factor 2y22y - 2 as 2(y1)2(y - 1). The common denominator will be 25(y1)2 \cdot 5 \cdot (y - 1).

Rewrite the fractions with this common denominator: 12(y1)=510(y1),\frac{1}{2(y-1)} = \frac{5}{10(y-1)}, 35=6(y1)10(y1).\frac{3}{5} = \frac{6(y-1)}{10(y-1)}.

Now combine: 12(y1)+35=5+6(y1)10(y1)=6y110(y1).\frac{1}{2(y-1)} + \frac{3}{5} = \frac{5 + 6(y-1)}{10(y-1)} = \frac{6y - 1}{10(y-1)}.

Step 2: Simplify the denominator

The denominator of the large fraction is: 2y+1+1y1.\frac{2}{y+1} + \frac{1}{y-1}.

To add these fractions, find the common denominator (y+1)(y1)(y+1)(y-1): 2y+1=2(y1)(y+1)(y1),\frac{2}{y+1} = \frac{2(y-1)}{(y+1)(y-1)}, 1y1=y+1(y+1)(y1).\frac{1}{y-1} = \frac{y+1}{(y+1)(y-1)}.

Combine: 2y+1+1y1=2(y1)+(y+1)(y+1)(y1)=2y2+y+1(y+1)(y1)=3y1(y+1)(y1).\frac{2}{y+1} + \frac{1}{y-1} = \frac{2(y-1) + (y+1)}{(y+1)(y-1)} = \frac{2y - 2 + y + 1}{(y+1)(y-1)} = \frac{3y - 1}{(y+1)(y-1)}.

Step 3: Divide the simplified numerator by the simplified denominator

We now have: 6y110(y1)3y1(y+1)(y1).\frac{\frac{6y - 1}{10(y-1)}}{\frac{3y - 1}{(y+1)(y-1)}}.

To divide, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second: 6y110(y1)(y+1)(y1)3y1.\frac{6y - 1}{10(y-1)} \cdot \frac{(y+1)(y-1)}{3y - 1}.

Cancel out (y1)(y-1) from numerator and denominator: (6y1)(y+1)10(3y1).\frac{(6y - 1)(y+1)}{10(3y - 1)}.

Final Answer:

(6y1)(y+1)10(3y1).\frac{(6y - 1)(y+1)}{10(3y - 1)}.

Let me know if you'd like a deeper explanation or have questions!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you simplify a complex fraction involving multiple terms?
  2. What is the importance of finding a common denominator in fraction operations?
  3. How do factoring techniques help simplify algebraic fractions?
  4. How do you identify and cancel out common factors in a rational expression?
  5. Can this expression have restrictions on the variable yy?

Tip:

Always factor expressions completely before performing operations; this helps in canceling out common terms efficiently.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Complex Fractions

Formulas

Addition of fractions with different denominators: \(\frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ad + bc}{bd}\)
Multiplication of fractions: \(\frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ac}{bd}\)
Factoring: \(ax + b\) techniques

Theorems

Properties of Rational Expressions
Simplification of Complex Fractions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12