Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: (x/3) + ((x - 2)/6x) - ((2 - x)/2x)

Solution

The expression shown in the image is:

x3+x26x2x2x\frac{x}{3} + \frac{x - 2}{6x} - \frac{2 - x}{2x}

Let’s solve this expression step by step:

Step 1: Find a common denominator

The denominators are 33, 6x6x, and 2x2x. To add and subtract the fractions, we need to find a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) is 6x6x, as it includes all the factors from the individual denominators.

We now express all terms with this common denominator.

  1. x3\frac{x}{3} becomes 2x6x\frac{2x}{6x}.
  2. x26x\frac{x - 2}{6x} stays the same.
  3. 2x2x\frac{2 - x}{2x} becomes 3(2x)6x\frac{3(2 - x)}{6x}.

Step 2: Rewrite the expression with the common denominator

Now the expression is: 2x6x+x26x3(2x)6x\frac{2x}{6x} + \frac{x - 2}{6x} - \frac{3(2 - x)}{6x}

Step 3: Combine the numerators

Since all fractions have the same denominator, we can combine their numerators: 2x+(x2)3(2x)6x\frac{2x + (x - 2) - 3(2 - x)}{6x}

Simplify the numerator: 2x+x23(2x)=2x+x26+3x=6x82x + x - 2 - 3(2 - x) = 2x + x - 2 - 6 + 3x = 6x - 8

Step 4: Write the final simplified expression

The simplified expression is: 6x86x\frac{6x - 8}{6x}

This can be further simplified by factoring out common terms: 2(3x4)6x=3x43x\frac{2(3x - 4)}{6x} = \frac{3x - 4}{3x}

Thus, the simplified result is: 3x43x\frac{3x - 4}{3x}

Would you like more details on any step or further explanation?

Related Questions:

  1. How can you find the least common denominator for more complex rational expressions?
  2. What happens if one of the variables in the denominator equals zero?
  3. Can you factor expressions like 3x43x - 4 further in certain cases?
  4. How do you solve rational equations involving multiple fractions?
  5. What techniques are used to simplify complex fractions with polynomials?

Tip:

Always check for restrictions on the variable, especially if there are variables in the denominator (in this case, x0x \neq 0 to avoid division by zero).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Expressions
Algebra
Least Common Denominator

Formulas

Least common denominator (LCD) of 3, 6x, and 2x is 6x
Combining numerators after finding the common denominator

Theorems

Simplification of Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11