Question

Complex mathematical expressions can sometimes be simplified by breaking out part of the expression and putting it in a function. A) True B) False

Answer 1

True. See the example below.

Explanation:

Lets try an example:

Add:

2x^2 + 3x + 8

4x^2 + 6x +16

2x^2 + 3x + 4

This is fairly straightforward, but the are opportunities to make a mistake, especially when there is something more interesting nearby.

1. Let's simplify it a bit by stating A = 2x^2 + 3x + 8 (the first expression)

2. Note that the second term, 4x^2 + 6x +16, is exactly twice the first term of 2X^2 + 3x + 8. That means the second term can be written as 2A

3. The third term is nearly the same as the first, but the last number is a 4, not an 8. But we could say it is equal to (A - 4)

Now we can add the numbers using the definition that A provided:

2X^2 + 3x + 8 A

4x^2 + 6x +16 2A

2x^2 + 3x + 4 A - 4

GASP 4A - 4

Now use the definition of A:

4A - 4

4(2x^2 + 3x + 8) - 4

8x^2 + 12x + 32 - 4

8x^2 + 12x + 28

That was a lot easier, and more fun than watching an episode of Twilight Zone.