Decomposing Algebraic Fraction...1

[nycmathguy]

Decompose x/12 into two fractions. Please, show the steps.

 

[MathLover1]

x*(1/12)

 

[nycmathguy]

x*(1/12)

I spend so much time in my precalculus textbook that I find myself forgetting the basics.

 

[Country Boy]

I would say this depend on how you interpret "decompose". Certainly it means to break it into parts that will recombine to the original, x/12. But "recombine" how? Yes, x(1/12)= x/12 is one way but (x/3)(1/4), (x/4)(1/3), (x/2)(1/6), etc. are also valid answers. I would also suggest x/3 and x/4 as a valid "decomposition" since x/3- x/4= x/12.

 

[nycmathguy]

I would say this depend on how you interpret "decompose". Certainly it means to break it into parts that will recombine to the original, x/12. But "recombine" how? Yes, x(1/12)= x/12 is one way but (x/3)(1/4), (x/4)(1/3), (x/2)(1/6), etc. are also valid answers. I would also suggest x/3 and x/4 as a valid "decomposition" since x/3- x/4= x/12.

The answers vary. Ok.