Question
Adding rational expressions with common Subtract. \( -\frac{5 a+10 b}{3 a}-\frac{8 a-7 b}{3 a} \) Simplify your answer as much as possible.
Ask by Ellis Weber. in the United States
Feb 25,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
\[
-\frac{13a + 3b}{3a}
\]
Solution
To add the rational expressions \(-\frac{5a + 10b}{3a} - \frac{8a - 7b}{3a}\), we can follow these steps:
1. **Combine the numerators**: Since both fractions have the same denominator, we can combine the numerators directly.
\[
-\frac{(5a + 10b) + (8a - 7b)}{3a}
\]
2. **Distribute the negative sign**: We need to distribute the negative sign across the second numerator.
\[
-\frac{5a + 10b + 8a - 7b}{3a}
\]
3. **Combine like terms in the numerator**: Now, we can combine the like terms in the numerator.
- Combine \(5a\) and \(8a\):
\[
5a + 8a = 13a
\]
- Combine \(10b\) and \(-7b\):
\[
10b - 7b = 3b
\]
So, the numerator becomes:
\[
13a + 3b
\]
4. **Write the final expression**: Now we can write the combined expression.
\[
-\frac{13a + 3b}{3a}
\]
5. **Simplify if possible**: The expression \(-\frac{13a + 3b}{3a}\) cannot be simplified further since there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator.
Thus, the final simplified answer is:
\[
-\frac{13a + 3b}{3a}
\]
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Extra Insights
To add the rational expressions, you can combine them since they have a common denominator: \[ -\frac{5a + 10b + 8a - 7b}{3a} \] Now, combine the like terms in the numerator: \[ -\frac{(5a + 8a) + (10b - 7b)}{3a} = -\frac{13a + 3b}{3a} \] This gives you the simplified result: \[ -\frac{13a + 3b}{3a} \] This expression cannot be simplified further as the numerator and the denominator do not have any common factors.