Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: ((z + 6) / (3z + 9) - 1 / (z + 3)) ÷ (z + 2) / 27z

Solution

The expression in the image is:

(z+63z+91z+3)÷z+227z\left( \frac{z+6}{3z+9} - \frac{1}{z+3} \right) \div \frac{z+2}{27z}

Let’s simplify this step by step.

Step 1: Simplify the first part within parentheses

The first part of the expression inside the parentheses is:

z+63z+91z+3\frac{z+6}{3z+9} - \frac{1}{z+3}

Notice that 3z+93z+9 can be factored as 3(z+3)3(z+3). So, the first term becomes:

z+63(z+3)\frac{z+6}{3(z+3)}

Now, the expression becomes:

z+63(z+3)1z+3\frac{z+6}{3(z+3)} - \frac{1}{z+3}

The least common denominator (LCD) is 3(z+3)3(z+3). Rewrite the second term with this denominator:

1z+3=33(z+3)\frac{1}{z+3} = \frac{3}{3(z+3)}

Now, subtract the fractions:

z+63(z+3)33(z+3)=(z+6)33(z+3)=z+33(z+3)\frac{z+6}{3(z+3)} - \frac{3}{3(z+3)} = \frac{(z+6) - 3}{3(z+3)} = \frac{z+3}{3(z+3)}

Notice that z+3z+3 cancels out in the numerator and denominator:

z+33(z+3)=13\frac{z+3}{3(z+3)} = \frac{1}{3}

So, the expression inside the parentheses simplifies to 13\frac{1}{3}.

Step 2: Simplify the division

Now the expression is:

13÷z+227z\frac{1}{3} \div \frac{z+2}{27z}

Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. So, rewrite the division as a multiplication:

13×27zz+2\frac{1}{3} \times \frac{27z}{z+2}

Now, simplify:

1×27z3×(z+2)=27z3(z+2)\frac{1 \times 27z}{3 \times (z+2)} = \frac{27z}{3(z+2)}

Finally, simplify 27z3\frac{27z}{3}:

27z3(z+2)=9zz+2\frac{27z}{3(z+2)} = \frac{9z}{z+2}

Final Answer:

The simplified expression is:

9zz+2\frac{9z}{z+2}

Would you like further details or have any questions on this process?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you handle division of complex algebraic fractions?
  2. What happens when terms cancel out in an algebraic expression?
  3. Can this expression be simplified further if z=2z = -2?
  4. How would the process change if there were multiple variables in the denominator?
  5. What does factoring do in simplifying algebraic expressions?

Tip: Always look for factoring opportunities in both the numerator and the denominator to simplify complex algebraic fractions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Simplification

Formulas

a / b ÷ c / d = (a / b) × (d / c)
Factoring expressions

Theorems

Properties of fractions and rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10