Math Problem Statement

Subtract the rational expressions: (3x/(x+5)) - ((3x-6)/(2x+10)) and simplify.

Solution

The problem asks to subtract the two rational expressions:

3xx+53x62x+10\frac{3x}{x+5} - \frac{3x - 6}{2x + 10}

Step 1: Simplify the second denominator.

Notice that 2x+102x + 10 can be factored: 2x+10=2(x+5)2x + 10 = 2(x + 5)

Thus, the expression becomes: 3xx+53x62(x+5)\frac{3x}{x + 5} - \frac{3x - 6}{2(x + 5)}

Step 2: Find a common denominator.

The common denominator between x+5x + 5 and 2(x+5)2(x + 5) is 2(x+5)2(x + 5). We need to adjust the first fraction by multiplying both its numerator and denominator by 2: 3xx+5=2(3x)2(x+5)=6x2(x+5)\frac{3x}{x + 5} = \frac{2(3x)}{2(x + 5)} = \frac{6x}{2(x + 5)}

Now the expression is: 6x2(x+5)3x62(x+5)\frac{6x}{2(x + 5)} - \frac{3x - 6}{2(x + 5)}

Step 3: Subtract the numerators.

Now that the denominators are the same, we can subtract the numerators: 6x(3x6)2(x+5)=6x3x+62(x+5)=3x+62(x+5)\frac{6x - (3x - 6)}{2(x + 5)} = \frac{6x - 3x + 6}{2(x + 5)} = \frac{3x + 6}{2(x + 5)}

Step 4: Simplify the numerator.

The numerator 3x+63x + 6 can be factored: 3x+6=3(x+2)3x + 6 = 3(x + 2)

Thus, the expression becomes: 3(x+2)2(x+5)\frac{3(x + 2)}{2(x + 5)}

This is the simplified form of the expression.

Would you like more details or further clarification?

Related Questions:

  1. How do you find a common denominator for rational expressions?
  2. What steps are involved in factoring polynomials?
  3. Can you subtract fractions with different denominators without finding a common denominator?
  4. How do you simplify a rational expression?
  5. What are the general strategies for solving problems with rational expressions?

Tip:

Always look for opportunities to factor expressions to simplify rational functions, as this often makes common denominators and cancellation easier.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Expressions
Factoring
Common Denominators

Formulas

Factoring: 2x + 10 = 2(x + 5)
Common Denominator: 2(x + 5)
Subtraction of Rational Expressions: (a/b - c/b) = (a - c)/b

Theorems

Factoring Polynomials
Simplifying Rational Expressions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10