Math  /  Algebra

QuestionUse either method to simplify the complex fraction. 1x+171x+171x+171x+17=\begin{array}{l} \frac{\frac{1}{x}+17}{-\frac{1}{x}+17} \\ \frac{\frac{1}{x}+17}{-\frac{1}{x}+17}= \end{array} \square (Simplify your answer.)

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We're asked to simplify a big fraction that has little fractions inside it, which is called a complex fraction! Watch out! Don't forget to distribute when multiplying the top and bottom of the big fraction!

STEP 2

1. Find the least common denominator (LCD)
2. Multiply the top and bottom by the LCD
3. Simplify

STEP 3

The little fractions inside the big fraction have denominators of xx.
So, our **least common denominator (LCD)** is just xx!
This is what we'll use to simplify things.

STEP 4

We're going to multiply the **top** and **bottom** of our big fraction by our **LCD**, which is xx.
This is like multiplying by 11, so it doesn't change the *value* of the fraction, just how it looks!

STEP 5

Multiplying the top: x(1x+17)=x1x+x17=xx+17x=1+17x x \cdot \left( \frac{1}{x} + 17 \right) = x \cdot \frac{1}{x} + x \cdot 17 = \frac{x}{x} + 17x = 1 + 17x We distributed the xx to both terms inside the parentheses.
Remember, xx divided by xx is 11, as long as xx isn't zero!

STEP 6

Multiplying the bottom: x(1x+17)=x(1x)+x17=xx+17x=1+17x x \cdot \left( -\frac{1}{x} + 17 \right) = x \cdot \left(-\frac{1}{x}\right) + x \cdot 17 = -\frac{x}{x} + 17x = -1 + 17x Again, we distributed, and xx divided by xx is 11, so we get 1-1 since we had a negative sign.

STEP 7

Now, let's put it all together!
Our simplified fraction is: 1+17x1+17x \frac{1 + 17x}{-1 + 17x} Look at that, no more little fractions inside!

STEP 8

Our simplified complex fraction is 1+17x1+17x\frac{1 + 17x}{-1 + 17x}.

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