Math Problem Statement

Simplify the given mathematical expression involving nested square roots and fractions.

Solution

Let's solve the given expression step by step. The expression appears as:

(a+1+a1a+1a1a+1a1a+1+a1):a+1a\left( \frac{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}} - \frac{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}} \right) : \frac{\sqrt{a+1}}{a}

Step 1: Simplify each fraction in the numerator

First term:

a+1+a1a+1a1\frac{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}} Multiply numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the denominator: a+1+a1a+1a1a+1+a1a+1+a1\frac{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}} This results in: (a+1+a1)2(a+1)2(a1)2\frac{(\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1})^2}{(\sqrt{a+1})^2 - (\sqrt{a-1})^2} The denominator simplifies as: (a+1)2(a1)2=a+1(a1)=2(\sqrt{a+1})^2 - (\sqrt{a-1})^2 = a+1 - (a-1) = 2 The numerator expands as: (a+1+a1)2=(a+1)+2(a+1)(a1)+(a1)=2a+2a21(\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1})^2 = (a+1) + 2\sqrt{(a+1)(a-1)} + (a-1) = 2a + 2\sqrt{a^2 - 1} Thus, the first term becomes: 2a+2a212=a+a21\frac{2a + 2\sqrt{a^2 - 1}}{2} = a + \sqrt{a^2 - 1}

Second term:

a+1a1a+1+a1\frac{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}} Following the same process: a+1a1a+1+a1a+1a1a+1a1\frac{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} + \sqrt{a-1}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}}{\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1}} The denominator is again: (a+1)2(a1)2=2(\sqrt{a+1})^2 - (\sqrt{a-1})^2 = 2 The numerator expands as: (a+1a1)2=(a+1)2(a+1)(a1)+(a1)=2a2a21(\sqrt{a+1} - \sqrt{a-1})^2 = (a+1) - 2\sqrt{(a+1)(a-1)} + (a-1) = 2a - 2\sqrt{a^2 - 1} Thus, the second term becomes: 2a2a212=aa21\frac{2a - 2\sqrt{a^2 - 1}}{2} = a - \sqrt{a^2 - 1}

Step 2: Simplify the numerator

The numerator now becomes: (a+a21)(aa21)\left( a + \sqrt{a^2 - 1} \right) - \left( a - \sqrt{a^2 - 1} \right) Simplify: a+a21a+a21=2a21a + \sqrt{a^2 - 1} - a + \sqrt{a^2 - 1} = 2\sqrt{a^2 - 1}

Step 3: Include the denominator

The entire expression now becomes: 2a21a+1a\frac{2\sqrt{a^2 - 1}}{\frac{\sqrt{a+1}}{a}} Simplify by multiplying by the reciprocal of the denominator: 2a21aa+1=2aa21a+12\sqrt{a^2 - 1} \cdot \frac{a}{\sqrt{a+1}} = \frac{2a\sqrt{a^2 - 1}}{\sqrt{a+1}}

Final Answer:

2aa21a+1\frac{2a\sqrt{a^2 - 1}}{\sqrt{a+1}}

Let me know if you'd like any further clarifications or details!


Related Questions:

  1. What are the restrictions on aa for this expression to be valid?
  2. How can we rationalize the denominator of the final result?
  3. What happens to the expression as aa \to \infty?
  4. How does this result change if aa is negative?
  5. Can this expression be simplified further for specific values of aa?

Tip:

Always check the domain of the variables when dealing with square roots to

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Radical Expressions
Fraction Simplification

Formulas

Difference of squares: (a + b)(a - b) = a^2 - b^2
Conjugate multiplication to rationalize denominators
Simplification of radicals

Theorems

Basic properties of square roots and radicals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12