Simplifying Complex Exponential Expressions
This article will explore the simplification of the following complex exponential expression:
(2^x + 2^(-x))^2 (2^x - 2^(-x))^2 (3^x + 3^(-x))^2 (3^x - 3^(-x))^2 (4^x + 4^(-x))^2 (4^x - 4^(-x))^2
We can effectively simplify this expression by utilizing the following key algebraic identities:
1. Difference of Squares: a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b) 2. Perfect Square Trinomial: (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
Let's break down the simplification step-by-step:
Step 1: Applying the Difference of Squares Identity
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Notice that each pair of consecutive terms in the expression has the form (a + b)(a - b). Applying the difference of squares identity, we can simplify each pair:
- (2^x + 2^(-x))(2^x - 2^(-x)) = (2^x)² - (2^(-x))² = 2^(2x) - 2^(-2x)
- (3^x + 3^(-x))(3^x - 3^(-x)) = (3^x)² - (3^(-x))² = 3^(2x) - 3^(-2x)
- (4^x + 4^(-x))(4^x - 4^(-x)) = (4^x)² - (4^(-x))² = 4^(2x) - 4^(-2x)
Step 2: Combining the Simplified Terms
- Our expression now becomes:
(2^(2x) - 2^(-2x)) (3^(2x) - 3^(-2x)) (4^(2x) - 4^(-2x))
Step 3: Factoring by Grouping (Optional)
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This step is not strictly necessary for simplification, but it can provide a more compact form. We can factor by grouping:
- Group 1: (2^(2x) - 2^(-2x)) (3^(2x) - 3^(-2x))
- Group 2: (4^(2x) - 4^(-2x))
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Apply the difference of squares identity again within each group. However, we will omit this step for brevity.
Step 4: Final Simplified Form
- The final simplified form of the expression is:
[(2^(2x) - 2^(-2x)) (3^(2x) - 3^(-2x))] [(4^(2x) - 4^(-2x))]
- This expression is significantly simpler than the original and is easier to manipulate for further calculations or analysis.
Conclusion
By effectively applying algebraic identities, we have successfully simplified a complex exponential expression. This process highlights the power of algebraic manipulation in simplifying complex expressions and making them more manageable for further operations.