Math Problem Statement

Add. State the sum in simplest terms: \( \frac{16-p}{(p+4)(p-6)} + \frac{2}{p+4} \), \( p \neq -4, 6 \).

Solution

To solve the expression given in the image:

16p(p+4)(p6)+2p+4\frac{16-p}{(p+4)(p-6)} + \frac{2}{p+4}

We first look for a common denominator, which in this case is (p+4)(p6)(p+4)(p-6). We need to rewrite each fraction with this common denominator:

  1. The first fraction is already expressed with the denominator (p+4)(p6)(p+4)(p-6).
  2. For the second fraction, multiply the numerator and the denominator by p6p-6:

2p+4=2(p6)(p+4)(p6)\frac{2}{p+4} = \frac{2(p-6)}{(p+4)(p-6)}

Now, add the two fractions:

16p(p+4)(p6)+2(p6)(p+4)(p6)=16p+2(p6)(p+4)(p6)\frac{16-p}{(p+4)(p-6)} + \frac{2(p-6)}{(p+4)(p-6)} = \frac{16-p + 2(p-6)}{(p+4)(p-6)}

Simplify the numerator:

16p+2p12=p+416-p + 2p - 12 = p + 4

Therefore, the expression simplifies to:

p+4(p+4)(p6)\frac{p+4}{(p+4)(p-6)}

Assuming p4p \neq -4, we can cancel p+4p+4 from the numerator and denominator:

1p6\frac{1}{p-6}

Thus, the sum of the expressions in simplest terms is:

1p6\frac{1}{p-6}

If you have any questions or need further explanations on how I derived this, feel free to ask! Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. What would the result be if p=6p = -6?
  2. How would you evaluate this expression for specific values of pp?
  3. What happens to the expression as pp approaches -4?
  4. Could you graph this expression to understand its behavior better?
  5. What are the restrictions on the value of pp in this expression?

Tip: When adding fractions with algebraic expressions, always look for a common denominator first to simplify the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Adding Rational Expressions
Factoring and Simplifying

Formulas

Common denominator method for adding fractions: \( \frac{a}{b} + \frac{c}{b} = \frac{a + c}{b} \)
Simplifying algebraic expressions by canceling common factors

Theorems

Rational expression simplification theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10