Q. Simplify. Express your answer as a single fraction in simplest form. a4+5a
Identify Common Denominator: First, we need to identify the common denominator to combine the terms into a single fraction. Since one term is already a fraction with a denominator of a, and the other term is a whole number, we can rewrite the whole number as a fraction with a denominator of a by multiplying it by aa.
Rewrite Whole Number as Fraction: Now, let's rewrite the whole number 5a as a fraction:5a=a5a×aThis gives us a5a2.
Combine Fractions: Next, we combine the two fractions over the common denominator a: a4+a5a2
Add Numerators: Now, we add the numerators while keeping the common denominator: (4+5a2)/a
Check for Simplification: Finally, we check if the numerator can be simplified further. Since 4 and 5a2 have no common factors other than 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form.
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