Math Problem Statement

Simplify the following expressions: 1) \( \frac{7x^3}{x^4} \) 2) \( \frac{15a^6b}{6a^2b^2} \) 3) \( \frac{2(x-2)}{(x-2)(x+3)} \) 4) \( \frac{(x-1)(x+3)}{(x+3)(x+5)} \)

Solution

The image shows four mathematical expressions that require simplification. Let's go through each one step by step and simplify them.

(1) Simplify 7x3x4\frac{7x^3}{x^4}

We can simplify this by dividing the powers of xx. Using the rule xaxb=xab\frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a-b}, we get:

7x3x4=7x34=7x1=7x\frac{7x^3}{x^4} = 7x^{3-4} = 7x^{-1} = \frac{7}{x}

Thus, the simplified form is:

7x\frac{7}{x}


(2) Simplify 15a6b6a2b2\frac{15a^6b}{6a^2b^2}

We can simplify the coefficients and the powers of aa and bb. Start by simplifying the coefficients:

156=52\frac{15}{6} = \frac{5}{2}

Now, simplify the powers of aa and bb:

a6a2=a62=a4andbb2=b12=b1=1b\frac{a^6}{a^2} = a^{6-2} = a^4 \quad \text{and} \quad \frac{b}{b^2} = b^{1-2} = b^{-1} = \frac{1}{b}

Thus, the simplified form is:

5a42b\frac{5a^4}{2b}


(3) Simplify 2(x2)(x2)(x+3)\frac{2(x-2)}{(x-2)(x+3)}

We can cancel the common factor (x2)(x - 2) from the numerator and denominator:

2(x2)(x2)(x+3)=2x+3,wherex2(to avoid division by zero)\frac{2(x-2)}{(x-2)(x+3)} = \frac{2}{x+3}, \quad \text{where} \, x \neq 2 \, (\text{to avoid division by zero})

Thus, the simplified form is:

2x+3\frac{2}{x+3}


(4) Simplify (x1)(x+3)(x+3)(x+5)\frac{(x-1)(x+3)}{(x+3)(x+5)}

We can cancel the common factor (x+3)(x + 3) from the numerator and denominator:

(x1)(x+3)(x+3)(x+5)=x1x+5,wherex3(to avoid division by zero)\frac{(x-1)(x+3)}{(x+3)(x+5)} = \frac{x-1}{x+5}, \quad \text{where} \, x \neq -3 \, (\text{to avoid division by zero})

Thus, the simplified form is:

x1x+5\frac{x-1}{x+5}


Summary of Simplified Results:

  1. 7x\frac{7}{x}
  2. 5a42b\frac{5a^4}{2b}
  3. 2x+3\frac{2}{x+3}
  4. x1x+5\frac{x-1}{x+5}

Let me know if you need further details or explanations!

Here are some related questions you could consider:

  1. How do you simplify expressions with negative exponents?
  2. What are the conditions to cancel terms in fractions?
  3. How do you simplify a ratio of polynomials?
  4. What happens when the numerator and denominator have common factors?
  5. How do powers of variables interact in multiplication and division?

Tip: Always check for values that make the denominator zero when simplifying fractions involving variables.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplification of Rational Expressions
Exponent Rules
Factorization and Cancellation

Formulas

Exponent Rule: \( \frac{x^a}{x^b} = x^{a-b} \)
Factorization Rule: \( \frac{(x-2)(x+3)}{(x-2)(x+3)} = \frac{1}{1} \text{ (cancel common terms)} \)

Theorems

Basic properties of exponents
Cancellation law for rational expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10