Question 68·Medium·Equivalent Expressions
Let and , where and are nonzero real numbers with . Which of the following is equivalent to ?
For expression-equivalence questions like this, first look for simple relationships between the given expressions—here, and are reciprocals, so simplifies instantly to . Then combine the remaining terms with a common denominator, using standard identities such as and . Keep denominators straight (watch for versus ) and combine like terms carefully; only if you get stuck should you fall back on plugging in numbers to test the answer choices.
Hints
Start by simplifying
Multiply and directly: and . What happens to the and factors when you multiply these fractions?
Combine and into a single fraction
Write . Use a common denominator. What do you get if you multiply ?
Use algebraic identities to simplify
After you put over a common denominator, you'll get in the numerator. Expand both squares and combine like terms carefully.
Add to your fraction for
Once you have as a single fraction, write using the same denominator and then add the numerators. Be careful with the coefficients of and when you combine terms.
Desmos Guide
Set specific values for and
Choose any convenient numbers that satisfy the conditions (nonzero and ), for example and . In Desmos, type r = 5 and s = 2 on separate lines.
Define , , and the target expression
In Desmos, enter u = (r + s)/(r - s) and v = (r - s)/(r + s). Then enter E = u*v + u + v. Desmos will display a numeric value for based on your chosen and .
Check each answer choice numerically
For each option A–D, type its expression into Desmos, using your and values. For example, for choice A type (r^2 + 3*s^2)/(r^2 - s^2), and similarly for the others. Compare each expression's value to the value of E.
Confirm consistency (optional but safer)
Optionally, pick a different valid pair, such as , , and repeat the process. The correct choice will match the value of E for both sets of , confirming which expression is equivalent to .
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the relationship between and
Start by multiplying and :
The in the numerator of the first fraction cancels with the in the denominator of the second fraction, and similarly for , so
So the expression we need to simplify is
Find a single fraction for
Now simplify :
Use a common denominator , which equals by the difference of squares identity:
Expand the squares:
Add these:
So
Combine with using a common denominator
We now have
To add these, rewrite as a fraction with denominator :
So the whole expression becomes
Add the numerators and match the answer choice
Now that the denominators match, add the numerators:
Simplify the numerator:
So the simplified expression is
which matches answer choice B.