Problem

Simplify (p-q)/(p^3q^2)-(p+q)/(p^2q^3)

The problem presented is an algebraic expression that requires simplification. Specifically, you have two fractions with variables p and q in the numerators and denominators, and these fractions are being subtracted from one another. The first fraction has (p - q) as the numerator and p^3q^2 as the denominator, whereas the second fraction has (p + q) in the numerator and p^2q^3 in the denominator. The question is asking to simplify the expression by combining these two fractions into one simplified fraction, which likely involves finding a common denominator, performing the subtraction, and then simplifying the resultant expression by reducing any common factors in the numerator and the denominator.

pqp3q2p+qp2q3

Answer

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Solution:

Step 1:

To find a common denominator for pqp3q2, multiply by qq to get (pq)qp3q3p+qp2q3.

Step 2:

For p+qp2q3 to have the same denominator, multiply by pp to obtain (pq)qp3q3(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 3:

Express both fractions with a common denominator of p3q3 by multiplying each by an appropriate form of 1.

Step 3.1:

Multiply pqp3q2 by qq to get (pq)qp3q3p+qp2q3pp.

Step 3.2:

Raise q to the power of 1 to maintain the same base.

Step 3.3:

Combine exponents using the power rule aman=am+n to get (pq)qp3q1+2p+qp2q3pp.

Step 3.4:

Add the exponents 1 and 2 to get (pq)qp3q3p+qp2q3pp.

Step 3.5:

Multiply p+qp2q3 by pp to get (pq)qp3q3(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 3.6:

Raise p to the power of 1.

Step 3.7:

Use the power rule to combine exponents and get (pq)qp3q3(p+q)pp1+2q3.

Step 3.8:

Add the exponents 1 and 2 to get (pq)qp3q3(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 4:

Combine the numerators over the common denominator to obtain (pq)q(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 5:

Simplify the numerator.

Step 5.1:

Apply the distributive property to get pqq2(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 5.2:

Multiply q by q.

Step 5.2.1:

Rearrange to pqqq(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 5.2.2:

Multiply q by q to get pqq2(p+q)pp3q3.

Step 5.3:

Apply the distributive property again.

Step 5.4:

Distribute to get pqq2ppqpp3q3.

Step 5.5:

Multiply p by p.

Step 5.5.1:

Rearrange to pqq2ppqpp3q3.

Step 5.5.2:

Multiply p by p to get pqq2p2qpp3q3.

Step 5.6:

Subtract qp from pq.

Step 5.6.1:

Rearrange to q2p2+pqqpp3q3.

Step 5.6.2:

Subtract pq from pq to get q2p2p3q3.

Step 5.7:

Combine q2p2 and 0 to get q2p2p3q3.

Step 6:

Factor out common terms.

Step 6.1:

Factor 1 out of q2 to get 1(q2)p2p3q3.

Step 6.2:

Factor 1 out of p2 to obtain 1(q2)1(p2)p3q3.

Step 6.3:

Factor 1 out of the entire numerator to get 1(q2+p2)p3q3.

Step 6.4:

Simplify the expression.

Step 6.4.1:

Rewrite as 1(q2+p2) to get 1(q2+p2)p3q3.

Step 6.4.2:

Move the negative in front of the fraction to get q2+p2p3q3.

Knowledge Notes:

  1. Common Denominator: To combine fractions, they must have the same denominator. This often involves multiplying by a form of 1 (e.g., pp or qq) to achieve a common denominator without changing the value of the fractions.

  2. Power Rule: When multiplying like bases, the exponents are added together (e.g., aman=am+n).

  3. Distributive Property: This property allows us to multiply a single term by each term within a parenthesis (e.g., a(b+c)=ab+ac).

  4. Simplifying Expressions: Involves combining like terms, factoring out common factors, and reducing fractions to their simplest form.

  5. Negative Exponents and Factoring: Factoring out a negative can help simplify expressions, especially when dealing with subtraction in numerators or denominators.

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