Math Problem Statement

Divide and simplify. StartFraction 4 x Over 5 EndFraction divided by StartFraction 16 x plus 32 Over 5 x plus 10 EndFraction

Solution

We are asked to divide and simplify the expression:

4x516x+325x+10\frac{\frac{4x}{5}}{\frac{16x + 32}{5x + 10}}

Step 1: Division of Fractions

When dividing fractions, we multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second. So, the division becomes:

4x5×5x+1016x+32\frac{4x}{5} \times \frac{5x + 10}{16x + 32}

Step 2: Factorization

Next, let's factor the expressions where possible:

  • 5x+105x + 10 can be factored as 5(x+2)5(x + 2).
  • 16x+3216x + 32 can be factored as 16(x+2)16(x + 2).

Now the expression becomes:

4x5×5(x+2)16(x+2)\frac{4x}{5} \times \frac{5(x + 2)}{16(x + 2)}

Step 3: Cancel Common Factors

We notice that (x+2)(x + 2) appears in both the numerator and denominator, so we can cancel this factor out. This leaves us with:

4x5×516\frac{4x}{5} \times \frac{5}{16}

Step 4: Simplification

Now, multiply the numerators and denominators:

4x×55×16=20x80\frac{4x \times 5}{5 \times 16} = \frac{20x}{80}

Finally, simplify the fraction:

20x80=x4\frac{20x}{80} = \frac{x}{4}

Final Answer:

The simplified result is:

x4\frac{x}{4}

Would you like any further explanations or details about the process?

Here are some follow-up questions:

  1. What happens if the variable xx equals 2-2?
  2. How can you apply this method to more complex algebraic fractions?
  3. How do you simplify a fraction when both the numerator and denominator contain polynomials?
  4. Why do we cancel out the common factor (x+2)(x + 2) in the simplification step?
  5. What would change if the original expression involved negative signs?

Tip: Always check for common factors in both the numerator and denominator before canceling them out—it helps simplify your work!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Factoring
Simplifying Fractions

Formulas

Division of fractions: A/B ÷ C/D = A/B × D/C
Factorization of polynomials

Theorems

Canceling common factors
Simplification of rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9