Math Problem Statement

Setup and simplify the expression \[ \frac{1}{(x+h)-5} - \frac{1}{x-5} \] divided by \( h \).

Solution

The image contains a mathematical expression that involves the simplification of a difference of two fractions. The expression is:

1(x+h)51x5\frac{1}{(x+h)-5} - \frac{1}{x-5}

This expression is over the denominator hh. To simplify this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a common denominator

The denominators are (x+h)5(x+h)-5 and x5x-5. The common denominator will be the product of these two terms: (x+h5)(x5)(x+h-5)(x-5)

Step 2: Rewriting the terms

We rewrite each fraction with the common denominator:

1(x+h5)=(x5)(x+h5)(x5)\frac{1}{(x+h-5)} = \frac{(x-5)}{(x+h-5)(x-5)} 1(x5)=(x+h5)(x+h5)(x5)\frac{1}{(x-5)} = \frac{(x+h-5)}{(x+h-5)(x-5)}

Step 3: Subtract the fractions

Now subtract the two fractions:

(x5)(x+h5)(x5)(x+h5)(x+h5)(x5)\frac{(x-5)}{(x+h-5)(x-5)} - \frac{(x+h-5)}{(x+h-5)(x-5)}

Since the denominators are the same, subtract the numerators:

(x5)(x+h5)(x+h5)(x5)\frac{(x-5) - (x+h-5)}{(x+h-5)(x-5)}

Step 4: Simplify the numerator

Simplify the numerator:

(x5)(x+h5)=x5xh+5=h(x-5) - (x+h-5) = x - 5 - x - h + 5 = -h

Thus, the expression becomes:

h(x+h5)(x5)\frac{-h}{(x+h-5)(x-5)}

Step 5: Final simplification

The entire expression is divided by hh, so we get:

hh(x+h5)(x5)=1(x+h5)(x5)\frac{-h}{h(x+h-5)(x-5)} = \frac{-1}{(x+h-5)(x-5)}

Final simplified expression:

1(x+h5)(x5)\frac{-1}{(x+h-5)(x-5)}

Let me know if you would like further details or have any questions!


Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How do you simplify rational expressions with different denominators?
  2. How would you approach simplifying expressions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator?
  3. Can you explain how to combine fractions using the least common denominator?
  4. How would the result change if you had to evaluate this expression for specific values of xx and hh?
  5. How does this process relate to finding the derivative of a function using limits?

Tip: Always factor any terms when simplifying rational expressions to avoid missing opportunities to cancel common factors.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Simplification of Fractions

Formulas

Common denominator: (x+h-5)(x-5)
Simplification of fractions: \frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{b} = \frac{a-c}{b}

Theorems

Arithmetic operations on rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12