Simplify the following: (Note: Assume that the denominators are not equal to 0.)
( + 4x + 1) / ( - 1)
(2x + 1) / (2x - 1)
9( - ) / ( - )
3( + 2ab + ) / (a + 2b)
( + ) / ( - 2st - )
( - 5st + ) / (s - 7t)
Explanation
To simplify rational expressions, we factorise the numerator and denominator and cancel the common factors.
For (i), the numerator + 4x + 1 is a perfect square, (2x + 1)^2, and the denominator - 1 is a difference of squares, (2x + 1)(2x - 1). Cancelling (2x + 1) gives (2x + 1) / (2x - 1).
For (ii), the numerator simplifies to 27(a - 2b)( + 2ab + ) and the denominator to 9(a - 2b)(a + 2b). Cancelling 9(a - 2b) yields 3( + 2ab + ) / (a + 2b).
For (iii), the numerator is a sum of cubes, (s + 5t)( - 5st + ), and the denominator factors to (s + 5t)(s - 7t). Cancelling (s + 5t) leaves ( - 5st + ) / (s - 7t).