I need help in Algebra !!!

[Chris Curry]

My 9th grader came to me tonight with a grin asking me to complete a question from his homework. I need rescuing before breakfast. Can anyone help?

(a-b) squared over a+b times b over a squared -ab times (a+b) squared over a squared - b squared.

I am desporate and we all know it, but you don't want the lad thinking his Dad is a halfwit - do you?
Thanks

Chris

[TheRic]

Got lost in trying to figure out what you are asking. Can you try explaining it again a little different.

[Chris Curry]

I'll try again - in English this time

We have 3 fractions being mulitpied.
Fraction one times fraction 2 times fraction three...
Fraction one numerator = (a-b)squared
Fraction one denominator = a+b
Fraction two numerator = b
Fraction two denominator = a squared -ab
Fraction three numerator = (a+b) squared
Fraction three denominator = a squared -b squared

I'm dyin' here

Thanks - Chris

[gary]

Scan in the formula - i cant tell the presidence from your text.

[Thom2]

42 ... the answer HAS TO BE 42

[TK421]

On your first post you have the numerator of the first fraction as (a-b)^2.

On the second post its (a+b)^2.

Need to know which is right, makes a big difference.

[Chris Curry]

On your first post you have the numerator of the first fraction as (a-b)^2.

On the second post its (a+b)^2.

Need to know which is right, makes a big difference.

(a-b)^2 is correct. I have edited the errant post. Thanks for noting that.

[Crash2510]

your answer is b/a

[gary]

I think the answer is B/A

Use the following to simplify it (demon 3 is (a+b)(a-b)) (denom 2 is (a)(a-b)) then just start cancalling terms

[Alex Franke]

b over a...

expanded...
(a-b)(a-b) * b * (a+b)(a+b)
----------------------------
(a+b) * a(a-b) * (a+b)(a-b)

then start cancelling things out.

[Crash2510]

If you need to know how to do it I could easily walk you through it

[LCHIEN]

b over a...

expanded...
(a-b)(a-b) * b * (a+b)(a+b)
----------------------------
(a+b) * a(a-b) * (a+b)(a-b)

then start cancelling things out.

el correcto!

[Chris Curry]

You saved my skin

Phil, Alex and Gary - Thanks guys. I knew you'd bail me out. I just need to be able to produce 'an' answer for when he confronts me at breakfast. Hope he won't make me show my work as he must do. As far as 'easily' walking me through it - I don't think it would help even if you dragged me kicking and screaming.
Oh, and Thom2 - I was born at night but it wasn't last night - nice try though.

This whole thing has really amused my beloved.

Thanks all - Chris

[Alex Franke]

Here's one I like:

Let a = 1 and b = 1

Obviously...       a^2 = a^2
and...             b^2 = ab

subtract...        a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab
factor...          (a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)
cancel (a-b)...    (a+b) = a
substitute...      (1+1) = 1

simplify...        2=1

You're likely to get a spoiler as a reply here, but after you solve the first one for him in the morning, tell him, "That was easy -- now here's one that'll really get you thinking" and walk through this problem!

[Chris Curry]

Here's one I like:

Let a = 1 and b = 1
 
Obviously...       a^2 = a^2
and...             b^2 = ab
 
subtract...        a^2 - b^2 = a^2 - ab
factor...          (a+b)(a-b) = a(a-b)
cancel (a-b)...    (a+b) = a
substitute...      (1+1) = 1
 
simplify...        2=1

You're likely to get a spoiler as a reply here, but after you solve the first one for him in the morning, tell him, "That was easy -- now here's one that'll really get you thinking" and walk through this problem!

Well, I'll try. He's a pretty keen lad. Good thing he got some of Mom's genes. It should give us a fun time 'round the table.