Math Problem Statement

* (p+q)/(p-q) + (p-q)/(p+q) = ?

Solution

The expression shown in the image is:

p+qpq+pqp+q\frac{p+q}{p-q} + \frac{p-q}{p+q}

Let's solve this step by step.

Step 1: Find the common denominator

The common denominator between p+qpq\frac{p+q}{p-q} and pqp+q\frac{p-q}{p+q} is (p+q)(pq)(p+q)(p-q).

Step 2: Rewrite the expression with the common denominator

(p+q)2+(pq)2(pq)(p+q)\frac{(p+q)^2 + (p-q)^2}{(p-q)(p+q)}

Step 3: Expand the numerator

(p+q)2=p2+2pq+q2(p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 (pq)2=p22pq+q2(p-q)^2 = p^2 - 2pq + q^2

So, the expression becomes: p2+2pq+q2+p22pq+q2(pq)(p+q)\frac{p^2 + 2pq + q^2 + p^2 - 2pq + q^2}{(p-q)(p+q)}

Step 4: Simplify the numerator

p2+2pq+q2+p22pq+q2=2p2+2q2p^2 + 2pq + q^2 + p^2 - 2pq + q^2 = 2p^2 + 2q^2

Thus, the expression is now: 2p2+2q2(pq)(p+q)\frac{2p^2 + 2q^2}{(p-q)(p+q)}

Step 5: Factor out the 2 in the numerator

2(p2+q2)(pq)(p+q)\frac{2(p^2 + q^2)}{(p-q)(p+q)}

Final Answer:

The simplified result is: 2(p2+q2)(pq)(p+q)\boxed{\frac{2(p^2 + q^2)}{(p-q)(p+q)}}

Would you like more details on any part of this solution?

Here are 5 related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with common denominators?
  2. What is the process for expanding binomials like (p+q)2(p+q)^2?
  3. Can you derive the difference of squares formula from (p+q)(pq)(p+q)(p-q)?
  4. How can we generalize this process for similar expressions?
  5. What happens if p=qp = q in this expression?

Tip: When adding fractions, always look for a common denominator before attempting to simplify!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Fractions
Simplification
Factoring

Formulas

Common denominator for fractions: LCD(a/b, c/d) = (b*d)
Expanding binomials: (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2

Theorems

Difference of squares: (p+q)(p-q) = p^2 - q^2

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11