Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (x + (2x / (x - 2))) / (1 + (4 / ((x + 2)(x - 2))))

Solution

The expression given in the image is:

x+2xx21+4(x+2)(x2)\frac{x + \frac{2x}{x - 2}}{1 + \frac{4}{(x + 2)(x - 2)}}

Let's break this down step by step.

Step 1: Simplify the numerator

The numerator is: x+2xx2x + \frac{2x}{x - 2} To simplify this, we need a common denominator: x(x2)x2+2xx2=x(x2)+2xx2\frac{x(x - 2)}{x - 2} + \frac{2x}{x - 2} = \frac{x(x - 2) + 2x}{x - 2} Expanding x(x2)x(x - 2): x(x2)=x22xx(x - 2) = x^2 - 2x Thus, the numerator becomes: x22x+2xx2=x2x2\frac{x^2 - 2x + 2x}{x - 2} = \frac{x^2}{x - 2}

Step 2: Simplify the denominator

The denominator is: 1+4(x+2)(x2)1 + \frac{4}{(x + 2)(x - 2)} This can be rewritten with a common denominator: (x+2)(x2)(x+2)(x2)+4(x+2)(x2)=(x+2)(x2)+4(x+2)(x2)\frac{(x + 2)(x - 2)}{(x + 2)(x - 2)} + \frac{4}{(x + 2)(x - 2)} = \frac{(x + 2)(x - 2) + 4}{(x + 2)(x - 2)} Expanding (x+2)(x2)(x + 2)(x - 2): (x+2)(x2)=x24(x + 2)(x - 2) = x^2 - 4 Thus, the denominator becomes: x24+4x24=x2x24\frac{x^2 - 4 + 4}{x^2 - 4} = \frac{x^2}{x^2 - 4}

Step 3: Combine the numerator and denominator

We now have: x2x2x2x24=x2x2×x24x2\frac{\frac{x^2}{x - 2}}{\frac{x^2}{x^2 - 4}} = \frac{x^2}{x - 2} \times \frac{x^2 - 4}{x^2} Cancel out x2x^2 in the numerator and denominator: x24x2\frac{x^2 - 4}{x - 2} Now, recall that: x24=(x2)(x+2)x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2) So the expression becomes: (x2)(x+2)x2\frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{x - 2} Finally, cancel out x2x - 2 (as long as x2x \neq 2): x+2x + 2

Thus, the simplified expression is:

x+2x + 2

Would you like further explanation or details? Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. How do common denominators work when simplifying complex fractions?
  2. What conditions must be considered when canceling out terms like (x2)(x - 2)?
  3. How does factoring help in simplifying rational expressions?
  4. Can you solve this type of problem using another method?
  5. What are the restrictions on the variable xx in the original expression?

Tip: Always check for restrictions on the variable when simplifying rational expressions (like x2x \neq 2 and x2x \neq -2 here).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Simplifying Fractions

Formulas

Common Denominator Formula: a/b + c/b = (a + c)/b
Difference of Squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

Theorems

Factoring Theorem: ax^2 + bx + c can be factored under certain conditions
Cancellation Law in Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12