Question

Express as a single fraction $$ \frac{u}{(u-v)(u-w)}+\frac{v}{(u-v)(u-w)}+\frac{w}{u-v} $$

Short answer

Question: Add the following fractions and express the result as a single fraction: $$\frac{u}{(u-v)(u-w)}+\frac{v}{(u-v)(u-w)}+\frac{w}{(u-v)(u-w)^2}$$ Answer: The sum of the given fractions expressed as a single fraction is: $$\frac{u+v+w(u-w)}{u-v}$$

Step-by-step solution

Identify the common denominator

In this case, the common denominator is the product of the denominators of each individual fraction: $$ (u-v)(u-w)(u-v) $$

Write each fraction with the common denominator

Now, we shall rewrite each fraction with the common denominator identified in Step 1: $$ \frac{u(u-v)(u-w)}{(u-v)(u-w)(u-v)}+\frac{v(u-v)(u-w)}{(u-v)(u-w)(u-v)}+\frac{w(u-v)(u-w)^2}{(u-v)(u-w)(u-v)} $$

Add the numerators

With the common denominator, we can now proceed to add the numerators for each fraction: $$ \frac{u(u-v)(u-w)+v(u-v)(u-w)+w(u-v)(u-w)^2}{(u-v)(u-w)(u-v)} $$

Factor out common terms

Factor out the common terms from the numerator: $$ \frac{(u-v)(u-w)(u+v+w(u-w))}{(u-v)(u-w)(u-v)} $$

Simplify the fraction

The common terms in the numerator and the denominator will cancel out, simplifying the fraction: $$ \frac{u+v+w(u-w)}{u-v} $$ And that is the final answer, the sum of the given fractions expressed as a single fraction: $$ \frac{u+v+w(u-w)}{u-v} $$

Key concepts

Common Denominator

When adding or subtracting algebraic fractions, finding a common denominator is an essential first step. Much like finding a shared language to communicate effectively, a common denominator allows disparate fractions to be combined in a coherent way.

A common denominator simply refers to a shared multiple of the individual denominators. In mathematical terms, it's the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, but in algebra, it often means finding a product that incorporates all unique factors from each fraction's denominator.

In our example, the algorithm begins by identifying the product \( (u-v)(u-w)(u-v) \) as the common denominator. This allows each of the fraction terms to be rewritten with this common denominator, enabling them to be directly combined. Imagine trying to compare pieces of different-sized pies without first making sure they all come from a pie of the same size - that's what finding a common denominator accomplishes.

It’s like a group of friends needing to agree on a time to meet - the common denominator represents that agreed time, ensuring they all arrive together.

Simplifying Fractions

Once a common denominator is established, we can proceed to simplify the expression. Essentially, simplifying fractions is like reducing a complex route on a map to the most direct path. The goal is to make the algebraic fraction as straightforward as possible.

In mathematical terms, simplification involves cancelling out common factors between the numerator and the denominator. In our exercise, after combining the numerators over the common denominator, we noticed there were identical factors in both, which could be cancelled out.

Specifically, the numerator and denominator both had the term \( (u-v)(u-w) \) which, after canceling each other out, simplified the equation significantly. What remains is the most 'condensed' form of the algebraic fraction, providing clarity and easing further operations. Imagine eliminating redundancies in a daily schedule – simplifying algebraic fractions clears the clutter in the same way.

Factorizing Algebraic Expressions

Factorizing algebraic expressions involves breaking down more intricate expressions into a product of simpler ones, in a process akin to decomposition in nature. The primary intention is to identify and extract common terms or patterns that may simplify the expression and aid in solving or simplifying equations.

During the solution process in our example, after adding the numerators, we obtained a more complex expression. To simplify it, we factor out common terms. This is similar to grouping similar items in a storeroom; it organizes and streamlines to make them more manageable. By factorizing the sum of the terms in the numerator, we expose a clearer structure of the expression which often reveals opportunities for cancellation with the denominator.

Understanding how to factorize expressions is crucial, as it's a foundational tool for various algebraic manipulations. In our world, it's like breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable tasks that can be systematically addressed - simplifying the seemingly daunting into the achievable.