Solve Algebraic Expression Grade 12 Examination Question 2024



The given problem involves simplifying the following algebraic fractions:

\[ \frac{x^2 + 3x - xy - 3y}{2x^2 + 2x - 4} \div \frac{3y - 3x + xy - x^2}{x^2 + x - 2} \]

Step 1: Factorize the Numerators and Denominators

First Fraction:

  • Numerator: \(x^2 + 3x - xy - 3y = (x - y)(x + 3)\)
  • Denominator: \(2x^2 + 2x - 4 = 2(x + 2)(x - 1)\)

Second Fraction:

  • Numerator: \(3y - 3x + xy - x^2 = -(x + 3)(x - y)\)
  • Denominator: \(x^2 + x - 2 = (x + 2)(x - 1)\)

Step 2: Rewrite the Division as Multiplication by the Reciprocal

\[ \frac{(x - y)(x + 3)}{2(x + 2)(x - 1)} \div \frac{-(x + 3)(x - y)}{(x + 2)(x - 1)} = \frac{(x - y)(x + 3)}{2(x + 2)(x - 1)} \times \frac{(x + 2)(x - 1)}{-(x + 3)(x - y)} \]

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

Cancel out the common factors:

\[ \frac{(x - y)(x + 3)}{2(x + 2)(x - 1)} \times \frac{(x + 2)(x - 1)}{-(x + 3)(x - y)} = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{-1} = -\frac{1}{2} \]

Final Answer:

\(-\frac{1}{2}\)


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