Math Problem Statement

Add. StartFraction x plus 5 Over 2 x plus 2 EndFraction plus StartFraction x Over 1 minus x squared EndFraction Question content area bottom Part 1 StartFraction x plus 5 Over 2 x plus 2 EndFraction plus StartFraction x Over 1 minus x squared EndFraction equals    StartFraction negative x squared minus 2 x plus 5 Over 2 left parenthesis x plus 1 right parenthesis left parenthesis 1 minus x right parenthesis EndFraction ​(Simplify your​ answer.)

Solution

To add the two fractions given and simplify the answer, let's go through the steps carefully.

The expression to add is:

x+52x+2+x1x2\frac{x + 5}{2x + 2} + \frac{x}{1 - x^2}

Step 1: Factor the Denominators

  1. In the first fraction, 2x+22x + 2 can be factored as 2(x+1)2(x + 1).
  2. In the second fraction, 1x21 - x^2 can be factored using the difference of squares as (1x)(1+x)(1 - x)(1 + x).

So, we rewrite the expression as:

x+52(x+1)+x(1x)(x+1)\frac{x + 5}{2(x + 1)} + \frac{x}{(1 - x)(x + 1)}

Step 2: Find a Common Denominator

The common denominator of 2(x+1)2(x + 1) and (1x)(x+1)(1 - x)(x + 1) is 2(x+1)(1x)2(x + 1)(1 - x).

Step 3: Rewrite Each Fraction with the Common Denominator

  1. For the first fraction, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 1x1 - x: (x+5)(1x)2(x+1)(1x)\frac{(x + 5)(1 - x)}{2(x + 1)(1 - x)}

  2. For the second fraction, multiply the numerator and the denominator by 22: 2x2(x+1)(1x)\frac{2x}{2(x + 1)(1 - x)}

Now we have:

(x+5)(1x)+2x2(x+1)(1x)\frac{(x + 5)(1 - x) + 2x}{2(x + 1)(1 - x)}

Step 4: Expand and Simplify the Numerator

Expand (x+5)(1x)(x + 5)(1 - x):

(x+5)(1x)=xx2+55x=x24x+5(x + 5)(1 - x) = x - x^2 + 5 - 5x = -x^2 - 4x + 5

Now, add x24x+5-x^2 - 4x + 5 and 2x2x:

x24x+5+2x=x22x+5-x^2 - 4x + 5 + 2x = -x^2 - 2x + 5

Final Answer

Thus, the simplified form of the expression is:

x22x+52(x+1)(1x)\frac{-x^2 - 2x + 5}{2(x + 1)(1 - x)}

This matches the form given in the question.


Would you like further details on any specific step?


Relative Questions:

  1. How do you find a common denominator for complex rational expressions?
  2. What other methods can you use to simplify complex fractions?
  3. How can factoring help in simplifying rational expressions?
  4. What is the importance of simplifying expressions in algebra?
  5. How does the difference of squares factorization work?

Tip: Always start by factoring the denominators when working with rational expressions; it helps in finding a common denominator easily.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Factoring
Finding a Common Denominator

Formulas

Difference of squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)
Expression for a common denominator in rational expressions

Theorems

Difference of squares
Factoring and simplifying rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12