Math Problem Statement

Solve the following rational expressions: (1) (x^2 - 1)/(x^2 - 4) ÷ (x + 1)/(x - 2), (2) (x - 3)/(x + 3) ÷ (x + 2)/(x^2 + 2x - 3), (3) (x + 1)/(x^2 - 4x + 4) ÷ x/(x^2 - 3x + 2).

Solution

The image contains three mathematical expressions that involve division of rational functions. Let's work through them step-by-step.

(1) Expression:

x21x24÷x+1x2\frac{x^2 - 1}{x^2 - 4} \div \frac{x + 1}{x - 2} Steps:

  1. Rewrite division as multiplication by the reciprocal: x21x24×x2x+1\frac{x^2 - 1}{x^2 - 4} \times \frac{x - 2}{x + 1}
  2. Factor the numerators and denominators where possible: (x1)(x+1)(x2)(x+2)×x2x+1\frac{(x - 1)(x + 1)}{(x - 2)(x + 2)} \times \frac{x - 2}{x + 1}
  3. Simplify by canceling out common terms: =x1x+2= \frac{x - 1}{x + 2}

(2) Expression:

x3x+3÷x+2x2+2x3\frac{x - 3}{x + 3} \div \frac{x + 2}{x^2 + 2x - 3} Steps:

  1. Rewrite division as multiplication by the reciprocal: x3x+3×x2+2x3x+2\frac{x - 3}{x + 3} \times \frac{x^2 + 2x - 3}{x + 2}
  2. Factor the quadratic expression: x3x+3×(x1)(x+3)x+2\frac{x - 3}{x + 3} \times \frac{(x - 1)(x + 3)}{x + 2}
  3. Simplify by canceling out common terms: =x3x+2×(x1)= \frac{x - 3}{x + 2} \times (x - 1) Final result: =(x3)(x1)x+2= \frac{(x - 3)(x - 1)}{x + 2}

(3) Expression:

x+1x24x+4÷xx23x+2\frac{x + 1}{x^2 - 4x + 4} \div \frac{x}{x^2 - 3x + 2} Steps:

  1. Rewrite division as multiplication by the reciprocal: x+1(x2)2×x23x+2x\frac{x + 1}{(x - 2)^2} \times \frac{x^2 - 3x + 2}{x}
  2. Factor the quadratic expressions: x+1(x2)2×(x1)(x2)x\frac{x + 1}{(x - 2)^2} \times \frac{(x - 1)(x - 2)}{x}
  3. Simplify by canceling out common terms: =x+1x(x2)= \frac{x + 1}{x(x - 2)}

Let me know if you would like more detailed explanations or further clarifications!

Here are five related questions to expand on this:

  1. How do you identify which terms can be factored in a rational function?
  2. What rules are used to simplify expressions involving division of fractions?
  3. How can common factors in the numerator and denominator affect the domain of a rational function?
  4. What are the steps for performing polynomial long division when factoring isn't straightforward?
  5. How can multiplying by the reciprocal help in solving complex rational equations?

Tip: Always check for any values that make the denominator zero in rational functions, as these are restrictions on the domain.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Factoring Quadratics
Simplifying Fractions

Formulas

Division of fractions: a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c
Factoring Quadratics: ax^2 + bx + c
Simplifying Rational Expressions

Theorems

Factor Theorem
Zero Product Property

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11