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.
To find a common denominator for
For
Express both fractions with a common denominator of
Multiply
Raise
Combine exponents using the power rule
Add the exponents 1 and 2 to get
Multiply
Raise
Use the power rule to combine exponents and get
Add the exponents 1 and 2 to get
Combine the numerators over the common denominator to obtain
Simplify the numerator.
Apply the distributive property to get
Multiply
Rearrange to
Multiply
Apply the distributive property again.
Distribute to get
Multiply
Rearrange to
Multiply
Subtract
Rearrange to
Subtract
Combine
Factor out common terms.
Factor
Factor
Factor
Simplify the expression.
Rewrite as
Move the negative in front of the fraction to get
Common Denominator: To combine fractions, they must have the same denominator. This often involves multiplying by a form of 1 (e.g.,
Power Rule: When multiplying like bases, the exponents are added together (e.g.,
Distributive Property: This property allows us to multiply a single term by each term within a parenthesis (e.g.,
Simplifying Expressions: Involves combining like terms, factoring out common factors, and reducing fractions to their simplest form.
Negative Exponents and Factoring: Factoring out a negative can help simplify expressions, especially when dealing with subtraction in numerators or denominators.