Math Problem Statement

Question content area top Part 1 Divide. StartFraction x squared minus 25 Over 6 x EndFraction divided by StartFraction 5 minus x Over 3 xy EndFraction Question content area bottom Part 1 StartFraction x squared minus 25 Over 6 x EndFraction divided by StartFraction 5 minus x Over 3 xy EndFraction equals    enter your response here ​(Simplify your​ answer.)

Solution

We are asked to divide two rational expressions:

x2256x÷5x3xy\frac{x^2 - 25}{6x} \div \frac{5 - x}{3xy}

Step 1: Rewrite division as multiplication

When dividing by a fraction, we multiply by its reciprocal:

x2256x×3xy5x\frac{x^2 - 25}{6x} \times \frac{3xy}{5 - x}

Step 2: Factor where possible

We can factor the numerator x225x^2 - 25, which is a difference of squares:

x225=(x5)(x+5)x^2 - 25 = (x - 5)(x + 5)

So the expression becomes:

(x5)(x+5)6x×3xy5x\frac{(x - 5)(x + 5)}{6x} \times \frac{3xy}{5 - x}

Step 3: Simplify the expression

Notice that 5x=(x5)5 - x = -(x - 5). So we can replace 5x5 - x with (x5)-(x - 5):

(x5)(x+5)6x×3xy(x5)\frac{(x - 5)(x + 5)}{6x} \times \frac{3xy}{-(x - 5)}

Now, we can cancel out the common factor of (x5)(x - 5):

(x+5)6x×3xy1\frac{(x + 5)}{6x} \times \frac{3xy}{-1}

Step 4: Multiply the fractions

Now, multiply the numerators and denominators:

(x+5)(3xy)6x(1)\frac{(x + 5)(3xy)}{6x(-1)}

This simplifies to:

3xy(x+5)6x\frac{-3xy(x + 5)}{6x}

Step 5: Cancel common factors

We can cancel xx from the numerator and denominator:

3y(x+5)6\frac{-3y(x + 5)}{6}

Finally, simplify the constants:

y(x+5)2\frac{-y(x + 5)}{2}

Final Answer:

y(x+5)2\frac{-y(x + 5)}{2}

Let me know if you'd like any clarifications!


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would the solution change if the expression involved a difference instead of a product?
  2. Can you explain how to factor higher-degree polynomials similarly?
  3. What would happen if there were additional variables in the expression?
  4. How do you handle division of rational expressions with exponents greater than 2?
  5. What other types of factoring could be used to simplify more complex terms?

Tip: Always look for common factors in both the numerator and denominator when simplifying rational expressions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Factoring
Simplifying Fractions

Formulas

Division of Rational Expressions: (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c)
Difference of Squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)

Theorems

Reciprocal Property of Division
Difference of Squares Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11