Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator
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Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator
Let's examine the problem, first we'll write the expression on the right side as a fraction (using the fact that dividing a number by 1 does not change its value):
Now let's think logically, and remember the fraction reduction operation,
In order for the fraction on the left side to be reducible, we want all terms in its numerator to have a common factor. Hence first we'll check if it can be factored, and we'll identify that it indeed can be factored, by using finding a common factor:
Now let's examine the expression on the left side once again:
Note that to obtain the number 2 in the fraction's numerator after reduction, we only need to reduce the algebraic expression (binomial):
Let's verify that with this choice we indeed obtain the expression on the right side:
Therefore this choice is correct.
In other words - the correct answer is answer A.
Determine if the simplification shown below is correct:
\( \frac{7}{7\cdot8}=8 \)
Look at the numerator first! Factor it completely, then think: what would I need to cancel to get the answer on the right side? In , factor to get , so you need 2x-1 in the denominator.
Test it! If denominator is x-2, then doesn't simplify to 2 for all values of x. Only 2x-1 works because it creates a factor that cancels perfectly.
Not all numerators can be factored easily! But in this case, 4x-2 clearly has a common factor of 2. Look for greatest common factors first - it's usually a number that divides all terms.
Substitute your denominator back into the original equation and simplify! ✓ The factors should cancel to give exactly what's on the right side.
No! For any given fraction equation like this, there's only one correct denominator. The algebra determines exactly what it must be - you can't have multiple solutions.
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