Question

I'm doing rational expressions and need help please! How do you simplify: x+y/x-y divided by 1/x- 1/y. Thanks!

Answer 1

first you find the common denomiator of (1/x)-(1/y) then you flip it and multiply it by x+y/x-y

Answer 2

Can you demonstrate please?

Answer 3

do you mind if i give you a generic version. I would rather you understand then just give you the answer. Is that ok?

Answer 4

That would be great

Answer 5

I have gotten to (xy) x+y over (x-y) (y-x) is there anything else I can do?

Answer 6

ok

Answer 7

na your done

Answer 8

Thanks for your help!

Answer 9

the only thing you could do is factor a negative out. and make it x-y squared on the bottom but that isnt necesary

Answer 10

What about if you have 5p/6p? can u cancel the p's?

Answer 11

And also s-1 over (s-1) (s+1) can you cancel the s-1's?

Answer 12

I'm not too sure about the canceling rules...

Answer 13

which math are you in? If you dont mind me asking.

Answer 14

ok so the general rule in dividing variables is. if it is the same variable you subtract the exponents.

Answer 15

Oh im in algebra 2

Answer 16

Ok got that

Answer 17

So could u cancel the p's or s-1's?

Answer 18

what is the exponent of the p's and x-1's?

Answer 19

I guess it is just one because the exponents canceled out earlier

Answer 20

what is anything raised to the 0 power except 0^0

Answer 21

for instance what is x^0?

Answer 22

is it one?

Answer 23

yep

Answer 24

But they are not to the oth power!

Answer 25

really? If (x-4)^1/(X-4)^1=(X-4)^0 then (x-4)^0=1

Answer 26

just to give you a hint i am a math tutor my statements are meant to lead you somewhere i am not asking you questions for no reason lol

Answer 27

ok thats cool, im still confused tho!

Answer 28

okok

Answer 29

um

Answer 30

so x^2/X^2 you subtract the exponenets leaving you with x^0 right?

Answer 31

ok

Answer 32

can you do (x-4)^2/(x-4) for me?

Answer 33

treat the x-4 as one thing and just worry about the exponenets

Answer 34

(x-4) (x-4)/(x-4) equals x-4?

Answer 35

exactly

Answer 36

what you just did was the subtracted the exponenets. do you understand what i mean?

Answer 37

YES! Hooray, so that should mean you can cancel the p's and the s-1's?

Answer 38

what do you think?

Answer 39

I am only saying that because i want you to be confident.

Answer 40

I think it is a yes......

Answer 41

im ok with that =)

Answer 42

sorry this took so long i really want you to understand it

Answer 43

Thank u for taking the time to help me! I really appreciate it 8 )

Answer 44

no problem. I like this place. i will probably hang around, so if you have more questions feel free to ask.

Answer 45

Haha im sure i will! nite

Answer 46

nite