Introductory Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13417-805-X
ISBN 13: 978-0-13417-805-9

Chapter 7 - Section 7.3 - Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with the Same Denominator - Exercise Set - Page 507: 62

Answer

$\displaystyle \frac{-2}{x+y}$ , $\; x\neq y$

Work Step by Step

When one denominator is the opposite, or additive inverse of the other, first multiply either rational expression by $\displaystyle \frac{-1}{-1}$ to obtain a common denominator. $\displaystyle \frac{2y}{x^{2}-y^{2}}+\frac{2x}{y^{2}-x^{2}} \cdot \displaystyle \frac{-1}{-1}= \displaystyle \frac{2y}{x^{2}-y^{2}}+\frac{-2x}{-(y^{2}-x^{2})}$ $=$ $\displaystyle \frac{2y}{x^{2}-y^{2}}+\frac{-2x}{x^{2}-y^{2}} $ ... To add/subtract rational expressions with the same denominator, add/subtract numerators and place the sum/difference over the common denominator. $=\displaystyle \frac{2y-2x}{x^{2}-y^{2}}$ ... factor both ... recognize a difference of squares $=\displaystyle \frac{-2(x-y)}{(x+y)(x-y)}$ ... common factors cancel, = $\displaystyle \frac{-2}{x+y}$ , $\; x\neq y$
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