Math Problem Statement

(xsqrt(x-1))/(x-1)-(x+3)/(sqrt(x)+1)

Solution

You want to simplify the following expression:

xx1x1x+3x+1\frac{x\sqrt{x-1}}{x-1} - \frac{x+3}{\sqrt{x}+1}

Let's proceed step by step:

Step 1: Analyze the first term xx1x1\frac{x\sqrt{x-1}}{x-1}

The first term has a square root, and it can be simplified by recognizing that the square root could simplify with the denominator if we manipulate it. We can write:

xx1x1=x1xx1\frac{x\sqrt{x-1}}{x-1} = \frac{\sqrt{x-1} \cdot x}{x-1}

It is worth noting that there is no immediate simplification without further manipulation, so let’s move to the next term and then attempt to simplify both at once.

Step 2: Analyze the second term x+3x+1\frac{x+3}{\sqrt{x}+1}

The second term involves a rational expression with a square root in the denominator. To rationalize this, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by x1\sqrt{x}-1 (the conjugate of x+1\sqrt{x}+1):

x+3x+1x1x1=(x+3)(x1)(x+1)(x1)\frac{x+3}{\sqrt{x}+1} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{x}-1}{\sqrt{x}-1} = \frac{(x+3)(\sqrt{x}-1)}{(\sqrt{x}+1)(\sqrt{x}-1)}

Using the difference of squares formula in the denominator:

(x+1)(x1)=x1(\sqrt{x}+1)(\sqrt{x}-1) = x - 1

So, the second term becomes:

(x+3)(x1)x1\frac{(x+3)(\sqrt{x}-1)}{x-1}

Step 3: Combine both terms

Now, we combine the two simplified terms:

x1xx1(x+3)(x1)x1\frac{\sqrt{x-1} \cdot x}{x-1} - \frac{(x+3)(\sqrt{x}-1)}{x-1}

Since both terms have the same denominator, we can combine the numerators:

xx1(x+3)(x1)x1\frac{x\sqrt{x-1} - (x+3)(\sqrt{x}-1)}{x-1}

Step 4: Expand and simplify the numerator

Expand (x+3)(x1)(x+3)(\sqrt{x}-1):

(x+3)(x1)=(x+3)x(x+3)(x+3)(\sqrt{x}-1) = (x+3)\sqrt{x} - (x+3)

Now substitute this back into the numerator:

xx1(x+3)x+(x+3)x\sqrt{x-1} - (x+3)\sqrt{x} + (x+3)

Final Expression

Thus, the simplified form of the original expression is:

xx1(x+3)x+(x+3)x1\frac{x\sqrt{x-1} - (x+3)\sqrt{x} + (x+3)}{x-1}


Would you like more detailed steps on any part of the process or further simplifications? Let me know if you need clarification!

Here are some related questions:

  1. How can you simplify square roots in rational expressions?
  2. How do you rationalize denominators with square roots?
  3. Can you solve for xx if this expression equals zero?
  4. What happens if you substitute specific values for xx (like x=2x=2) into the expression?
  5. How do you handle complex expressions with multiple square roots in algebra?

Tip: When simplifying expressions with square roots, try to look for opportunities to rationalize or combine terms by factoring or using conjugates to eliminate square roots from the denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Square Roots
Simplification

Formulas

Difference of squares formula
Rationalizing denominators
Distributive property

Theorems

Simplification of rational expressions
Rationalizing square roots

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12