Add: Since the denominators are opposites, either one can serve as the LCD. If we choose x – y, we can multiply Y. by = to build it into an equivalent rational expression with the denominator x - y. When y - x is multiplied by -1, the subtraction is reversed, and the result is x - y. +Y y - x so that it has a denominator of x - y. + Build x - y Multiply the numerators. Multiply the denominators. %3D + X - y Rewrite the second denominator, -y + x, as x - y. The fractions now have a common denominator. x - y x - y Add the numerators. Write the difference over the common denominator x - y. x - y Simplify. 5a Add: a b – a

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
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ISBN:9780134463216
Author:Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:Robert F. Blitzer
ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
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### Adding Rational Expressions with Opposite Denominators

#### Example Problem:
Add: \( \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} \)

Since the denominators are opposites, either one can serve as the Least Common Denominator (LCD). If we choose \( x - y \), we can multiply \( \frac{y}{y - x} \) by \( \frac{-1}{-1} \) to build it into an equivalent rational expression with the denominator \( x - y \).

#### Step-by-Step Solution:
1. **Initial Expression**:
   \[
   \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x}
   \]
   
2. **Equating Denominators**:
   Since the denominators are opposites,
   \[
   \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} = \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} \cdot \frac{-1}{-1}
   \]
   
3. **Multiplication**:
   \[
   \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y \cdot (-1)}{(y-x) \cdot (-1)}
   \]
   
4. **Rewrite Denominator**:
   Rewrite \( -y + x \) as \( x - y \):
   \[
   \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{-y}{x-y} 
   \]
   
5. **Combining the Numerators**:
   Add the numerators while keeping the common denominator:
   \[
   \frac{x + (-y)}{x - y} 
   \]
   
6. **Simplify**:
   \[
   \frac{x - y}{x - y} = 1
   \]

The final simplified result is \( 1 \).

#### Another Problem to Solve:
Add: \( \frac{5a}{a-b} + \frac{b}{b-a} \)

Complete this problem using the same steps outlined above. Don’t forget to rewrite the denominators to a common term before combining the numerators and simplifying.
Transcribed Image Text:### Adding Rational Expressions with Opposite Denominators #### Example Problem: Add: \( \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} \) Since the denominators are opposites, either one can serve as the Least Common Denominator (LCD). If we choose \( x - y \), we can multiply \( \frac{y}{y - x} \) by \( \frac{-1}{-1} \) to build it into an equivalent rational expression with the denominator \( x - y \). #### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Initial Expression**: \[ \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} \] 2. **Equating Denominators**: Since the denominators are opposites, \[ \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} = \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y}{y-x} \cdot \frac{-1}{-1} \] 3. **Multiplication**: \[ \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{y \cdot (-1)}{(y-x) \cdot (-1)} \] 4. **Rewrite Denominator**: Rewrite \( -y + x \) as \( x - y \): \[ \frac{x}{x-y} + \frac{-y}{x-y} \] 5. **Combining the Numerators**: Add the numerators while keeping the common denominator: \[ \frac{x + (-y)}{x - y} \] 6. **Simplify**: \[ \frac{x - y}{x - y} = 1 \] The final simplified result is \( 1 \). #### Another Problem to Solve: Add: \( \frac{5a}{a-b} + \frac{b}{b-a} \) Complete this problem using the same steps outlined above. Don’t forget to rewrite the denominators to a common term before combining the numerators and simplifying.
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