Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (b^2 - 4b - 21) / (b^2 - 15b + 50) - (b + 3) / (b - 10)

Solution

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The problem appears to be simplifying this fraction:

b24b21b215b+50b+3b10\frac{b^2 - 4b - 21}{b^2 - 15b + 50} - \frac{b + 3}{b - 10}

Step 1: Factor the expressions

  1. For b24b21b^2 - 4b - 21: Factor the quadratic expression: b24b21=(b7)(b+3)b^2 - 4b - 21 = (b - 7)(b + 3)

  2. For b215b+50b^2 - 15b + 50: Factor this quadratic as well: b215b+50=(b10)(b5)b^2 - 15b + 50 = (b - 10)(b - 5)

Thus, the first fraction becomes: (b7)(b+3)(b10)(b5)\frac{(b - 7)(b + 3)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Step 2: Simplify the second fraction

The second fraction is already simplified: b+3b10\frac{b + 3}{b - 10}

Step 3: Combine the fractions

Both fractions have a common denominator b10b - 10, so rewrite the expression as: (b7)(b+3)(b10)(b5)b+3b10\frac{(b - 7)(b + 3)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)} - \frac{b + 3}{b - 10}

Multiply the numerator and denominator of the second fraction by b5b - 5 to get a common denominator: b+3b10=(b+3)(b5)(b10)(b5)\frac{b + 3}{b - 10} = \frac{(b + 3)(b - 5)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Now the expression becomes: (b7)(b+3)(b10)(b5)(b+3)(b5)(b10)(b5)\frac{(b - 7)(b + 3)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)} - \frac{(b + 3)(b - 5)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Step 4: Combine the numerators

Since the denominators are the same, combine the numerators: (b7)(b+3)(b+3)(b5)(b10)(b5)\frac{(b - 7)(b + 3) - (b + 3)(b - 5)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Factor out b+3b + 3 from the numerator: (b+3)[(b7)(b5)](b10)(b5)\frac{(b + 3)\left[(b - 7) - (b - 5)\right]}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Simplify the term in brackets: (b7)(b5)=b7b+5=2(b - 7) - (b - 5) = b - 7 - b + 5 = -2

So the numerator becomes: (b+3)(2)(b + 3)(-2)

Thus, the fraction is now: 2(b+3)(b10)(b5)\frac{-2(b + 3)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Final Answer:

2(b+3)(b10)(b5)\frac{-2(b + 3)}{(b - 10)(b - 5)}

Let me know if you need further clarification or more details! Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you factorize quadratic expressions like b24b21b^2 - 4b - 21?
  2. How can you simplify fractions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator?
  3. What is the importance of a common denominator when subtracting fractions?
  4. How do you know when to factor out terms from a numerator?
  5. Can this simplified fraction be reduced further under specific conditions?

Tip: Always check for common factors across numerators and denominators before finalizing your answer.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Simplifying Rational Expressions
Factoring Quadratic Expressions
Subtracting Fractions with Polynomials

Formulas

Factoring quadratic expressions: ax^2 + bx + c = (px + q)(rx + s)
Combining fractions: (a/b) - (c/d) = (ad - bc) / bd

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Properties of Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12