Math Problem Statement

1/((1/b)+(1/a))

Solution

Let's simplify the expression:

1(1b+1a)\frac{1}{\left(\frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{a}\right)}

Step 1: Combine the terms in the denominator.

To combine the terms 1b\frac{1}{b} and 1a\frac{1}{a}, you need a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) of bb and aa is abab.

1b+1a=aab+bab=a+bab\frac{1}{b} + \frac{1}{a} = \frac{a}{ab} + \frac{b}{ab} = \frac{a + b}{ab}

Step 2: Substitute back into the original expression.

Now the expression becomes:

1(a+bab)\frac{1}{\left(\frac{a + b}{ab}\right)}

Step 3: Simplify the complex fraction.

To simplify this, multiply by the reciprocal of the denominator:

1(a+bab)=aba+b\frac{1}{\left(\frac{a + b}{ab}\right)} = \frac{ab}{a + b}

Final simplified form:

aba+b\frac{ab}{a + b}

So, the simplified expression is:

aba+b\frac{ab}{a + b}

Would you like further explanation or any clarifications on this? Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do we simplify more complex fractions with multiple terms in the numerator and denominator?
  2. What would happen if we had different constants or variables in the denominator, like xx and yy?
  3. How does this formula relate to the harmonic mean of two numbers?
  4. How can you solve for aa or bb if this expression is equal to a constant?
  5. Can you generalize this method for more than two terms in the denominator?

Tip: When dealing with complex fractions, always try to find a common denominator to simplify them before proceeding with the overall expression!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Fractions
Simplification

Formulas

1/((1/b) + (1/a)) = ab / (a + b)

Theorems

Fraction Addition
Reciprocal Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10