simplifying fraction question

[freshmaker]

Hi,

I'm having trouble finding out how much I should simplify.
An example of this is:

simplify

   x        7y       4y
------ + -------- - -----          (xx = x squared)
x[SUP]2[/SUP] - 9      x+3      x-3


the answer i gave is 

x + 3y(x-11)   
--------------
 x[SUP]2[/SUP]-9

Whereas the answer provided is

x+ 3y - 33y  
----------- 
    x[SUP]2[/SUP]-9

I know both answers are mathematically identical but what is the proper form for writing the answers

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Hi,

I'm having trouble finding out how much I should simplify.
An example of this is:

simplify

   x        7y       4y
------ + -------- - -----          (xx = x squared)
x[SUP]2[/SUP] - 9      x+3      x-3


the answer i gave is 

x + 3y(x-11)   
--------------
 x[SUP]2[/SUP]-9

Whereas the answer provided is

x+ 3[B][COLOR=#0000ff]x[/COLOR][/B]y - 33y  
-----------  [COLOR=#FF0000]← Was there a '[/COLOR][B][COLOR=#0000ff]x[/COLOR][/B][COLOR=#FF0000]' in there?[/COLOR]
    x[SUP]2[/SUP]-9

I know both answers are mathematically identical but what is the proper form for writing the answers

Thanks

Either one is acceptable. Depends on particular instruction given.

 

[freshmaker]

Either one is acceptable. Depends on particular instruction given.

yes there was an x in there.

sorry about that.

So if there is no specific instruction, for eg. that question just asked to write as one fraction either form should be fine. I always find myself keep trying to simplify even if not required.

Thanks for the assistance, been having a hard time getting into math for the first time in my life, it will be rewarding when I get there.

 

[stapel]

"Simplifying", in this context, usually involves getting rid of parentheses. So I would be very surprised if the factored form (with the parentheses) was the "expected" form of the answer.