I have to simplify expression problems. (3(x+5))/((x-5)( x-2)). When simplifying do you leave it in factored form like that or do you multiply it out?

Question

aroub · Answer

you leave it in factored form :)

anonymous · Answer

So what if I have 1/(1/x - 1/y)  Do I leave it like that or do I turn it into xy/(y-x)

aroub · Answer

1/(1/x - 1/y)  <---- this looks confusing! lol I'd prefer to put it in this form --> xy/(y-x) 

but sometimes in the exam they give you the factored form and sometimes the unfactored form...  so you just have to know the 2 forms :)

anonymous · Answer

Well basically the first expression was the simplified form of the question I was given. I was just wondering if I had to go that extra step for it to be completely simplified or not.

aroub · Answer

Does the question tell you to simplify it completely?  but usually in all math questions you just have to completely simplify the final answer.

anonymous · Answer

It just says to "Perform the indicated operations and simplify"  So that's why I'm confused as to whether the more simplified expression would be 1/(1/x - 1/y) or xy/(y-x).

aroub · Answer

"and simplify" so I'd say to simplify it completely :)

anonymous · Answer

Which means the latter expression?

aroub · Answer

yep

anonymous · Answer

Can you help me with a different problem as well?

aroub · Answer

maybe... I'll try my best :)

anonymous · Answer

Lol thank you, one second let me type it out

anonymous · Answer

So the starting expression is (x + 1/y)/(x - 1/x)  I tried two ways. First: I multiplied the equation by x/x to get (x(x + 1/y))/(x^2 - 1) which is (x(x + 1/y))/((x-1)(x + 1)). But then I also noticed I could multiply the expression by "xy" and get (x^2y +x)/(x^2y - y)  Which one is the simplified form??

aroub · Answer

just a min! lol :)

anonymous · Answer

Np ^__^

aroub · Answer

wait.. what?!   is this your question?

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