Math Problem Statement

Fill in the blank(s) and simplify the given algebraic expression: \( \frac{\frac{1}{x+7} - \frac{1}{x}}{7} \cdot \frac{x(x+7)}{x(x+7)} = \frac{x(x+7) \cdot \left( \frac{1}{x+7} - \frac{1}{x} \right)}{7x(x+7)} \)

Solution

The equation in the image involves simplifying a complex algebraic expression. Let's break it down step by step to solve and simplify it.

The given equation is:

1x+71x7x(x+7)x(x+7)=x(x+7)(1x+71x)7x(x+7)\frac{\frac{1}{x+7} - \frac{1}{x}}{7} \cdot \frac{x(x+7)}{x(x+7)} = \frac{x(x+7) \cdot \left( \frac{1}{x+7} - \frac{1}{x} \right)}{7x(x+7)}

We need to simplify the expression step by step:

Step 1: Simplify the difference inside the parentheses.

We are given 1x+71x\frac{1}{x+7} - \frac{1}{x}.

To subtract these, we need a common denominator:

1x+71x=x(x+7)x(x+7)=xx7x(x+7)=7x(x+7)\frac{1}{x+7} - \frac{1}{x} = \frac{x - (x+7)}{x(x+7)} = \frac{x - x - 7}{x(x+7)} = \frac{-7}{x(x+7)}

Step 2: Substitute this result back into the equation.

The equation now becomes:

7x(x+7)7x(x+7)x(x+7)\frac{\frac{-7}{x(x+7)}}{7} \cdot \frac{x(x+7)}{x(x+7)}

Step 3: Simplify the expression.

The first part is:

7x(x+7)7=77x(x+7)=1x(x+7)\frac{\frac{-7}{x(x+7)}}{7} = \frac{-7}{7x(x+7)} = \frac{-1}{x(x+7)}

Now multiplying by x(x+7)x(x+7)\frac{x(x+7)}{x(x+7)}:

1x(x+7)x(x+7)x(x+7)=1x(x+7)\frac{-1}{x(x+7)} \cdot \frac{x(x+7)}{x(x+7)} = \frac{-1}{x(x+7)}

Thus, the simplified result is:

1x(x+7)\boxed{\frac{-1}{x(x+7)}}

This is the final simplified expression.

Would you like further clarification or any more details on this problem?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. How would you subtract 1x+51x\frac{1}{x+5} - \frac{1}{x}?
  2. Can you solve 1a+3+1a\frac{1}{a+3} + \frac{1}{a}?
  3. Simplify 2y+43y\frac{2}{y+4} - \frac{3}{y}.
  4. How do you simplify x2x+21x+2\frac{x^2}{x+2} - \frac{1}{x+2}?
  5. What happens when you multiply 1x+31x3\frac{1}{x+3} \cdot \frac{1}{x-3}?

Tip: Always find a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Simplification

Formulas

\( \frac{1}{a} - \frac{1}{b} = \frac{b - a}{ab} \)

Theorems

Simplification of Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11