Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
0. Review of Algebra
Factoring Polynomials
3:05 minutes
Problem 99c
Textbook Question
In Exercises 93–102, factor and simplify each algebraic expression. (x+5)^−1/2−(x+5)^−3/2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the common term in both expressions, which is (x+5). Notice that the expressions have negative fractional exponents: (x+5)^{-1/2} and (x+5)^{-3/2}.
Rewrite the expression by factoring out the common term with the smallest exponent, which is (x+5)^{-3/2}. This gives us (x+5)^{-3/2} \left((x+5)^1 - 1\right).
Simplify the expression inside the parentheses. Since (x+5)^1 is just (x+5), the expression becomes (x+5)^{-3/2} \left(x+5 - 1\right).
Further simplify the expression inside the parentheses to get (x+5)^{-3/2} \left(x+4\right).
This is the simplified form of the original expression, factored and simplified using the properties of exponents and basic algebraic manipulation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Exponents and Negative Exponents
Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a base number. A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the absolute value of the exponent. For example, a^(-n) = 1/(a^n). Understanding how to manipulate negative exponents is crucial for simplifying expressions like (x+5)^(-1/2) and (x+5)^(-3/2).
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Factoring Algebraic Expressions
Factoring involves rewriting an expression as a product of its factors. This process can simplify complex expressions and make it easier to perform operations like addition or subtraction. In the given expression, recognizing common factors can help in simplifying the terms effectively.
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Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
Simplifying algebraic fractions involves reducing the expression to its simplest form by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator. This is essential for making calculations easier and clearer. In the context of the given expression, simplifying after factoring will lead to a more manageable form.
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