Math Problem Statement

Simplify the given expressions: (a) (15x + 5) / (75x^2 + 25x) (b) (27x^2 + 9x) / (24x^2 + 8x)

Solution

The image contains two expressions that need to be simplified. Let's go through both steps one by one:

Expression (a):

15x+575x2+25x\frac{15x + 5}{75x^2 + 25x}

Step 1: Factor the numerator and denominator.

  • The numerator 15x+515x + 5 can be factored as 5(3x+1)5(3x + 1).
  • The denominator 75x2+25x75x^2 + 25x can be factored as 25x(3x+1)25x(3x + 1).

Now the expression becomes: 5(3x+1)25x(3x+1)\frac{5(3x + 1)}{25x(3x + 1)}

Step 2: Cancel common terms. Since (3x+1)(3x + 1) appears in both the numerator and denominator, we can cancel them: 525x\frac{5}{25x}

Simplify further: 15x\frac{1}{5x}

So, the simplified form of (a) is: 15x\frac{1}{5x}


Expression (b):

27x2+9x24x2+8x\frac{27x^2 + 9x}{24x^2 + 8x}

Step 1: Factor the numerator and denominator.

  • The numerator 27x2+9x27x^2 + 9x can be factored as 9x(3x+1)9x(3x + 1).
  • The denominator 24x2+8x24x^2 + 8x can be factored as 8x(3x+1)8x(3x + 1).

Now the expression becomes: 9x(3x+1)8x(3x+1)\frac{9x(3x + 1)}{8x(3x + 1)}

Step 2: Cancel common terms. Since (3x+1)(3x + 1) appears in both the numerator and denominator, we can cancel them: 9x8x\frac{9x}{8x}

Step 3: Simplify the remaining expression. Cancel xx from both the numerator and denominator: 98\frac{9}{8}

So, the simplified form of (b) is: 98\frac{9}{8}


Final Answer:

  • (a) 15x\frac{1}{5x}
  • (b) 98\frac{9}{8}

Let me know if you need further details or explanations.

Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. What would happen if you had more complex terms in the numerator and denominator?
  2. How do you factor quadratic expressions that have no common factors?
  3. What is the importance of recognizing common factors in simplifying rational expressions?
  4. Can you apply these steps to polynomials of higher degree?
  5. How can you verify your simplifications are correct?

Tip: Always look for common factors in both the numerator and denominator to simplify expressions quickly!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplification of Rational Expressions
Factoring

Formulas

Factoring common terms
Cancelling terms

Theorems

Distributive Property
Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11