For Individual or Group Work (Exercises 147 – 150)In calculus, it is sometimes desirable to rationalize a numerator. To do this, we multiply the numerator and the denominator by the conjugate of the numerator. For example, (6 - √2)/4 = (6 - √2)/4 × (6 + √2)/(6 + √2) = (36 - 2)/(4(6 + √2)) = 34/(4(6 + √2)) = 17/(2(6 + √2)) = 17/(6 + √2). Rationalize each numerator. (6 - √3)/8
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
- OLD 1. Angles and the Trigonometric Functions Coming soon
- OLD 2. Trigonometric Functions graphs, Inverse Trigonometric Functions Coming soon
- OLD 3. Trigonometric Identities and Equations Coming soon
- OLD 4. Laws of Sines, Cosines and Vectors Coming soon
- OLD 5. Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations Coming soon
- NEW (not used) 7. Laws of Sines, Cosines and Vectors Coming soon
- NEW (not used) 8. Vectors Coming soon
- NEW(not used) 9. Polar equations Coming soon
- NEW (not used) 11. Graphing Complex Numbers Coming soon
0. Review of College Algebra
Rationalizing Denominators
Problem 9
Textbook Question
CONCEPT PREVIEW Perform the indicated operation, and write each answer in lowest terms 2x/5 + x/4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the terms to be added: \( \frac{2x}{5} + \frac{x}{4} \). Since these are fractions with different denominators, we need to find a common denominator before adding.
Find the least common denominator (LCD) of 5 and 4. The LCD is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. Calculate the LCD as \( \text{LCD} = 20 \).
Rewrite each fraction with the denominator 20 by multiplying numerator and denominator appropriately: \( \frac{2x}{5} = \frac{2x \times 4}{5 \times 4} = \frac{8x}{20} \) and \( \frac{x}{4} = \frac{x \times 5}{4 \times 5} = \frac{5x}{20} \).
Add the two fractions now that they have the same denominator: \( \frac{8x}{20} + \frac{5x}{20} = \frac{8x + 5x}{20} = \frac{13x}{20} \).
Check if the resulting fraction \( \frac{13x}{20} \) can be simplified further by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 13 and 20. Since 13 is a prime number and does not divide 20, the fraction is already in lowest terms.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Adding Rational Expressions
Adding rational expressions involves combining fractions with variable terms. To add them, you must have a common denominator, just like with numerical fractions, so the expressions can be combined into a single fraction.
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Rationalizing Denominators
Finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The least common denominator is the smallest expression that both denominators divide into evenly. Finding the LCD allows you to rewrite each fraction with the same denominator, enabling straightforward addition of the numerators.
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Rationalizing Denominators Using Conjugates
Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
After adding fractions, simplify the resulting expression by factoring and reducing common factors in the numerator and denominator. This ensures the answer is in lowest terms, making it easier to interpret and use.
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Solving Linear Equations with Fractions
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