Math Problem Statement

Simplify the following rational expression: \( \frac{1}{y + 2} + \frac{9}{y + 1} \).

Solution

The expression in the image is:

1y+2+9y+1\frac{1}{y + 2} + \frac{9}{y + 1}

To add these two rational expressions, we need to find a common denominator.

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

The denominators are y+2y + 2 and y+1y + 1. The least common denominator (LCD) will be the product of these two terms:

LCD=(y+2)(y+1)\text{LCD} = (y + 2)(y + 1)

Step 2: Rewrite Each Fraction with the LCD

Now, rewrite each fraction with the LCD as the denominator.

For 1y+2\frac{1}{y + 2}, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by y+1y + 1:

1y+2=1(y+1)(y+2)(y+1)=y+1(y+2)(y+1)\frac{1}{y + 2} = \frac{1 \cdot (y + 1)}{(y + 2)(y + 1)} = \frac{y + 1}{(y + 2)(y + 1)}

For 9y+1\frac{9}{y + 1}, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by y+2y + 2:

9y+1=9(y+2)(y+1)(y+2)=9(y+2)(y+1)(y+2)\frac{9}{y + 1} = \frac{9 \cdot (y + 2)}{(y + 1)(y + 2)} = \frac{9(y + 2)}{(y + 1)(y + 2)}

Step 3: Add the Fractions

Now, add the two fractions:

y+1(y+2)(y+1)+9(y+2)(y+1)(y+2)=(y+1)+9(y+2)(y+1)(y+2)\frac{y + 1}{(y + 2)(y + 1)} + \frac{9(y + 2)}{(y + 1)(y + 2)} = \frac{(y + 1) + 9(y + 2)}{(y + 1)(y + 2)}

Step 4: Simplify the Numerator

Simplify the numerator:

(y+1)+9(y+2)=y+1+9y+18=10y+19(y + 1) + 9(y + 2) = y + 1 + 9y + 18 = 10y + 19

So, the expression becomes:

10y+19(y+1)(y+2)\frac{10y + 19}{(y + 1)(y + 2)}

Final Answer:

The simplified form of the given expression is:

10y+19(y+1)(y+2)\frac{10y + 19}{(y + 1)(y + 2)}

Let me know if you'd like further explanation or details!


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. How would you simplify an expression with three fractions with different denominators?
  2. What happens if one of the terms in the denominator contains a square, like y2+1y^2 + 1?
  3. How would you factor and simplify a rational expression like y2+3y+2y21\frac{y^2 + 3y + 2}{y^2 - 1}?
  4. How do you handle complex rational expressions where both the numerator and denominator are fractions?
  5. Can you explain how to perform polynomial long division when simplifying rational expressions?

Tip: Always factor denominators when possible to find the least common denominator more easily!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Least Common Denominator

Formulas

\( \text{LCD} = (y + 2)(y + 1) \)
\( \frac{1}{y + 2} = \frac{y + 1}{(y + 2)(y + 1)} \)
\( \frac{9}{y + 1} = \frac{9(y + 2)}{(y + 1)(y + 2)} \)

Theorems

Least Common Denominator (LCD)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10