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VCE Stuff => VCE Mathematics => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Mathematical Methods CAS => Topic started by: Andiio on October 25, 2011, 01:26:26 pm

Title: Simplest form
Post by: Andiio on October 25, 2011, 01:26:26 pm

Just for clarification, say you were asked to find the derivative of something in its "simplest form".

Would this be the factorised form, or fully expanded form?

e.g. 2x+2 vs. 2(x+1)

Thanks!

Title: Re: Simplest form
Post by: Special At Specialist on October 25, 2011, 08:02:40 pm

Factorisation is only necessary when you can cancel out a factor. In your example, they are probably both equally simplified, since you cannot reduce the number of terms either way, but I would personally choose the "2x + 1" over the "2(x + 1)".

Title: Re: Simplest form
Post by: b^3 on October 25, 2011, 08:05:41 pm

Quote from: Special At Specialist on October 25, 2011, 08:02:40 pm

Factorisation is only necessary when you can cancel out a factor. In your example, they are probably both equally simplified, since you cannot reduce the number of terms either way, but I would personally choose the "2x + 1" over the "2(x + 1)".

You mean 2x+2 (not 2x+1)

Title: Re: Simplest form
Post by: Special At Specialist on October 25, 2011, 08:33:06 pm

Quote from: b^3 on October 25, 2011, 08:05:41 pm

Quote from: Special At Specialist on October 25, 2011, 08:02:40 pm

Factorisation is only necessary when you can cancel out a factor. In your example, they are probably both equally simplified, since you cannot reduce the number of terms either way, but I would personally choose the "2x + 1" over the "2(x + 1)".

You mean 2x+2 (not 2x+1)

Yes! Silly me...

Title: Re: Simplest form
Post by: b^3 on October 25, 2011, 08:35:49 pm

Quote from: Special At Specialist on October 25, 2011, 08:33:06 pm

Quote from: b^3 on October 25, 2011, 08:05:41 pm

Quote from: Special At Specialist on October 25, 2011, 08:02:40 pm

Factorisation is only necessary when you can cancel out a factor. In your example, they are probably both equally simplified, since you cannot reduce the number of terms either way, but I would personally choose the "2x + 1" over the "2(x + 1)".

You mean 2x+2 (not 2x+1)

Yes! Silly me...

Dw, I do stupid things like that all the time. i.e. 2+2=6 (done it a couple of times on assesments now). Had someone sign my school jacket with this today. "2+2=4 not 6 mate" :)