Math Problem Statement

Subtract: (x - 6) / (x + 2) - 2 / (x + 5). Simplify your answer as much as possible.

Solution

The expression shown asks to subtract two rational functions:

x6x+22x+5\frac{x - 6}{x + 2} - \frac{2}{x + 5}

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Find the common denominator: The denominators are x+2x + 2 and x+5x + 5, so the common denominator is (x+2)(x+5)(x + 2)(x + 5).

  2. Rewrite the terms with the common denominator: x6x+2=(x6)(x+5)(x+2)(x+5)\frac{x - 6}{x + 2} = \frac{(x - 6)(x + 5)}{(x + 2)(x + 5)} 2x+5=2(x+2)(x+2)(x+5)\frac{2}{x + 5} = \frac{2(x + 2)}{(x + 2)(x + 5)}

  3. Subtract the numerators: Now, subtract the numerators: (x6)(x+5)2(x+2)(x+2)(x+5)\frac{(x - 6)(x + 5) - 2(x + 2)}{(x + 2)(x + 5)}

  4. Expand the numerators:

    • Expand (x6)(x+5)(x - 6)(x + 5): (x6)(x+5)=x2+5x6x30=x2x30(x - 6)(x + 5) = x^2 + 5x - 6x - 30 = x^2 - x - 30
    • Expand 2(x+2)2(x + 2): 2(x+2)=2x+42(x + 2) = 2x + 4
  5. Combine the results: x2x30(2x+4)(x+2)(x+5)=x2x302x4(x+2)(x+5)\frac{x^2 - x - 30 - (2x + 4)}{(x + 2)(x + 5)} = \frac{x^2 - x - 30 - 2x - 4}{(x + 2)(x + 5)}

  6. Simplify the numerator: Combine like terms: x2x2x304=x23x34x^2 - x - 2x - 30 - 4 = x^2 - 3x - 34

    So, the simplified expression is: x23x34(x+2)(x+5)\frac{x^2 - 3x - 34}{(x + 2)(x + 5)}

Thus, the final simplified expression is:

x23x34(x+2)(x+5)\frac{x^2 - 3x - 34}{(x + 2)(x + 5)}

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you multiply binomials such as (x6)(x+5)(x - 6)(x + 5)?
  2. Can you simplify rational expressions in different ways?
  3. How would you solve rational equations involving subtraction?
  4. What are common mistakes when subtracting rational expressions?
  5. How do you factor polynomials like x23x34x^2 - 3x - 34 if needed?

Tip: Always check if the numerator can be factored further before concluding that your expression is fully simplified.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Subtraction of Fractions

Formulas

Common Denominator
Expanding Binomials
Simplifying Expressions

Theorems

Properties of Rational Expressions
Distributive Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11