Basic Math/math

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Expert: Josh - 9/8/2004


Question
simplify   8
       -------
       1/5 + 3/10 =

Answer
OK. In the previous question, I have given you directions on how to handle such a question.

Now, it's time for you to try this yourself.
Read over my previous message and follow the hints.

You should simplify the denominator by merging the two fractions 1/5 and 3/10.

You should be able to guess what I am about to do.
Same trick as before (these are worth remembering)
(1/5)=(1/5)*(2/2)=2/10.
What have we achieved? Notice that 1/5 is the same as 2/10. By that, I mean that one fifth and two tenths represent the same amount. Because 2/10 and 3/10 both have the same denominator (bottom bit), we can merge them together and write (2/10)+(3/10)=(2+3)/10 = 5/10 = 1/2.

Therefore, 8/((1/5)+(3/10))=8/(1/2)=8*2=16  

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Josh

Expertise

When I work through problems, I like to emphasize concepts which I believe are worth noting. I will try to answer questions in the following areas, but not at the advanced level. Algebra. Sequences & Series. Trigonometry. Functions & Graphs. Coordinate Geometry. Quadratic Polynomials. Exponential & Logarithms. Basic Calculus. Probability, Permutation and Combination. Mathematical Induction. Complex numbers. Physics problems.

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I have worked as a teaching assistant in college. My hope is that more people will share knowledge without boundary, give help without seeking recognition or monetary rewards.

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Bachelor degree in Engineering Science

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