Appendix
A-4: Algebraic Expressions and Operations
Example A-4.3
Express the difference x2−xx3−x−x2−1x2+x as a single fraction.
Solution
Maple Solution - Interactive
Control-drag (or type) the given expression.
Context Panel: Simplify≻Simplify
x2−xx3−x−x2−1x2+x= simplify −x2−x−1xx+1
Alternatively,
Context Panel: Normal
x2−xx3−x−x2−1x2+x→normal−x2−x−1xx+1
Maple Solution - Stepwise and Annotated
The Maple-generated simplification below might not follow the optimal path vis-a-vis a more direct approach where x is factored first, and then the difference of squares is factored. However, the Maple calculation is included as an illustration of what its new code produces.
Tools≻Load Package: Student Basics
Loading Student:-Basics
Control-drag the given expression.
Context Panel: Student Basics≻Expand Steps
x2−xx3−x−x2−1x2+x= expand steps x2+−1xx3+−1x+−1x2−1x2+x=xx−1·1xx−1x+1+−1x2−1x2+xfactor=1x+1+−1x2−1x2+xdivide=1x+1+−1x2+−1−1x2+xdistributive multiply=1x+1+−x2+1x2+xmultiply constants=1x+1+x+1−x+1x+1xfactor=1x+1+−x+1xdivide
Apply a final simplification
Control-drag the final result.
1x+1+−x+1x= simplify −x2−x−1xx+1
The astute reader will note that the annotated stepwise solution does not terminate in the "final form" of a single fraction. For that, the right-hand side of the final equality must be dragged to a new Document Block, and subjected to a simplification.
Maple Solution - Coded
Assign the given expression to q1.
q1≔x2−xx3−x−x2−1x2+x
Apply the simplify command or the normal command.
simplifyq1
normalq1
<< Previous Example Section A-4 Next Example >>
© Maplesoft, a division of Waterloo Maple Inc., 2021. All rights reserved. This product is protected by copyright and distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying, distribution, and decompilation.
For more information on Maplesoft products and services, visit www.maplesoft.com
Download Help Document
What kind of issue would you like to report? (Optional)
