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 508: 86

Answer

The statement is false. To make it true, on the RHS, replace $-\displaystyle \frac{2}{b}$ with $\displaystyle \frac{6}{b}$.

Work Step by Step

When one denominator is the opposite, or additive inverse of the other, first multiply either rational expression by $\displaystyle \frac{-1}{-1} =1,$ to obtain a common denominator. $\displaystyle \frac{4}{b}-\frac{2}{-b}= \displaystyle \frac{4}{b}-\frac{2}{-b}\times\frac{-1}{-1}$ $=\displaystyle \frac{4}{b}-\frac{-2}{b}$ $=\displaystyle \frac{4}{b}+\frac{2}{b}$ $=\displaystyle \frac{6}{b}$ The statement is false. To make it true, on the RHS, replace $-\displaystyle \frac{2}{b}$ with $\displaystyle \frac{6}{b}$.
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