Simplifying the Expression: (x^a+b)^2(x^b+c)^2(x^c+a)^2/(x^a x^b x^c)^4
This article explores the simplification of the complex mathematical expression: (x^a+b)^2(x^b+c)^2(x^c+a)^2/(x^a x^b x^c)^4
The key to simplifying this expression lies in understanding the properties of exponents and factorization.
Step 1: Expanding the Squares
We begin by expanding the squares in the numerator. Recall that (a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2. Applying this to each term, we get:
- (x^a+b)^2 = x^(2a) + 2x^a*b + b^2
- (x^b+c)^2 = x^(2b) + 2x^b*c + c^2
- (x^c+a)^2 = x^(2c) + 2x^c*a + a^2
Step 2: Simplifying the Denominator
The denominator can be simplified using the rule x^m * x^n = x^(m+n). Therefore,
(x^a x^b x^c)^4 = x^(4a+4b+4c)
Step 3: Combining Terms
Now, we have:
(x^(2a) + 2x^ab + b^2)(x^(2b) + 2x^bc + c^2)(x^(2c) + 2x^c*a + a^2) / x^(4a+4b+4c)
To further simplify, we need to multiply the terms in the numerator. This will result in a long expression with many terms. However, we can observe that some terms will cancel out due to the denominator.
Step 4: Cancellation and Final Expression
After multiplying the terms in the numerator and carefully observing the terms, we can cancel out many terms due to the denominator x^(4a+4b+4c). This leaves us with a simplified expression.
The final simplified expression is:
1 + 2(b/x^a + c/x^b + a/x^c) + (b^2/x^(2a) + c^2/x^(2b) + a^2/x^(2c)) + 2(bc/x^(a+b) + ac/x^(a+c) + ab/x^(b+c))
Conclusion
By applying the basic properties of exponents, expanding squares, and simplifying through cancellation, we have successfully simplified the complex expression. The final expression is more manageable and easier to understand, providing a clearer representation of the original equation.