# Math Help - simplifying an equation

1. ## simplifying an equation

I hope this belongs here, But I have no idea where to start on an equation like this where you are dividing something that is already being divided.

Simplify as much as possible.
f(x)=1/x(f(a+h)-f(a))/h

So i get
(1/(a+h)) - (1/a) / h

then im stuck. I knink this should be really easy but like i said dividing by something that is already getting divided.... if anyone has a set of rules that can be applied to something like this please let me know.

2. ## Re: simplifying an equation

Originally Posted by jshimoda
I hope this belongs here, But I have no idea where to start on an equation like this where you are dividing something that is already being divided.

Simplify as much as possible.
f(x)=1/x(f(a+h)-f(a))/h

So i get
(1/(a+h)) - (1/a) / h

then im stuck. I knink this should be really easy but like i said dividing by something that is already getting divided.... if anyone has a set of rules that can be applied to something like this please let me know.
Okay, if you are working toward Calculus just let us know.

Otherwise, you have
$\frac{\frac{1}{a + h} - \frac{1}{a}}{h}$

Add the fractions in the numerator. You will wind up with something like this:
$\frac{\text{something}}{ha(a + h)}}$

That's as simplified I think this is going to get and it leads to the idea of a derivative, which I am assuming you are headed toward.

-Dan