Thread: Factoring problem with negative and rational exponents

I just can't seem to get this one, it's in the first assignment of my semester...

Factor:
x^-1/2(3x+4)^1/2+3x^1/2(3x+4)^-1/2

thanks for any hel;p, i just want to know how to do it not even the answer necessarily

x^(-1/2)(3x+4)^(1/2)+3x^(1/2)(3x+4)^(-1/2)

should be written like this sorry

Originally Posted by jorygoldsmith

x^(-1/2)(3x+4)^(1/2)+3x^(1/2)(3x+4)^(-1/2)

should be written like this sorry

how about

[(x+h)^(-2)-(x)^(-2)]/h

easier this way ...



get a common denominator and combine the two fractions inside the [brackets], then combine like terms and factor the numerator ... ultimate goal is to get the "h" in the first fraction to cancel.


also ... next time, start a new problem w/ a new thread.