Math Problem Statement

p-q/p+q + p+q/p-q

Solution

To simplify the given expression:
pqp+q+p+qpq\frac{p - q}{p + q} + \frac{p + q}{p - q}

Step 1: Find the common denominator

The least common denominator (LCD) for pqp+q\frac{p - q}{p + q} and p+qpq\frac{p + q}{p - q} is (p+q)(pq)(p + q)(p - q).

Rewriting each fraction with this common denominator:
(pq)2(p+q)(pq)+(p+q)2(pq)(p+q)=(pq)2+(p+q)2(p+q)(pq)\frac{(p - q)^2}{(p + q)(p - q)} + \frac{(p + q)^2}{(p - q)(p + q)} = \frac{(p - q)^2 + (p + q)^2}{(p + q)(p - q)}

Step 2: Expand the numerators

Use the square of a binomial identity (a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2(a \pm b)^2 = a^2 \pm 2ab + b^2.

  1. (pq)2=p22pq+q2(p - q)^2 = p^2 - 2pq + q^2
  2. (p+q)2=p2+2pq+q2(p + q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2

Now, add the two results:
(pq)2+(p+q)2=(p22pq+q2)+(p2+2pq+q2)(p - q)^2 + (p + q)^2 = (p^2 - 2pq + q^2) + (p^2 + 2pq + q^2)

Combine like terms:
p2+p22pq+2pq+q2+q2=2p2+2q2p^2 + p^2 - 2pq + 2pq + q^2 + q^2 = 2p^2 + 2q^2

Step 3: Simplify the entire fraction

The fraction becomes:
2p2+2q2(p+q)(pq)=2(p2+q2)(p+q)(pq)\frac{2p^2 + 2q^2}{(p + q)(p - q)} = \frac{2(p^2 + q^2)}{(p + q)(p - q)}

Final Answer

The simplified form of the given expression is:
2(p2+q2)(p+q)(pq)\frac{2(p^2 + q^2)}{(p + q)(p - q)}


Would you like a more detailed explanation for any of the steps?
Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you find the least common denominator of two rational expressions?
  2. What are the identities for (a+b)2(a + b)^2 and (ab)2(a - b)^2?
  3. How do you factor quadratic expressions like p2q2p^2 - q^2?
  4. Can the final result 2(p2+q2)(p+q)(pq)\frac{2(p^2 + q^2)}{(p + q)(p - q)} be simplified further?
  5. What is the geometric interpretation of the difference of squares?

Tip: When dealing with rational expressions, always look for ways to factor the numerator and denominator. This approach often reveals common factors that can be canceled out.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Simplification of Fractions

Formulas

(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2
(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2

Theorems

Least Common Denominator (LCD)
Difference of Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11