Math Problem Statement

Find the product or quotient of the given rational expressions: (4p - 4)/p ÷ (5p - 5)/(2p^2).

Solution

The problem asks us to find the product or quotient of two rational expressions:

4p4p÷5p52p2.\frac{4p - 4}{p} \div \frac{5p - 5}{2p^2}.

Step-by-step Solution:

  1. Rewrite the Division as Multiplication: Division of fractions is equivalent to multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction: 4p4p÷5p52p2=4p4p2p25p5.\frac{4p - 4}{p} \div \frac{5p - 5}{2p^2} = \frac{4p - 4}{p} \cdot \frac{2p^2}{5p - 5}.

  2. Factor the Numerators and Denominators: Factor out common terms where possible:

    • In 4p44p - 4, factor out 4: 4p4=4(p1)4p - 4 = 4(p - 1).
    • In 5p55p - 5, factor out 5: 5p5=5(p1)5p - 5 = 5(p - 1).

    The expression now becomes: 4(p1)p2p25(p1).\frac{4(p - 1)}{p} \cdot \frac{2p^2}{5(p - 1)}.

  3. Cancel Common Factors:

    • p1p - 1 appears in both the numerator and denominator, so cancel p1p - 1.
    • Simplify pp in the denominator of the first fraction with p2p^2 in the numerator of the second fraction.

    After canceling, we get: 412p5.\frac{4}{1} \cdot \frac{2p}{5}.

  4. Multiply the Remaining Terms: Multiply the numerators and denominators: 42p15=8p5.\frac{4 \cdot 2p}{1 \cdot 5} = \frac{8p}{5}.

Final Answer:

8p5.\frac{8p}{5}.

Would you like me to clarify any steps or go into more detail?


Related Questions:

  1. What is the difference between dividing and multiplying rational expressions?
  2. How do you factor polynomials with multiple variables?
  3. What happens if one of the terms cannot be factored?
  4. How can you check your work when simplifying rational expressions?
  5. How would the process change if an additional term was added to one of the numerators?

Tip:

Always factor completely before canceling terms to avoid mistakes in simplification.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Factoring
Simplification

Formulas

Division of fractions: a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c
Factoring: ax - ay = a(x - y)

Theorems

Properties of Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10