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JAMB Mathematics 1988 Question 13

Question 13

Algebraic Expressions

If 1/p = (a2 + 2ab + b2)/(a − b) and 1/q = (a + b)/(a2 − 2ab + b2) find p/q

  1. A.(a + b)/(a − b)
  2. B.1/(a2 − b2)
  3. C.(a − b)/(a + b)
  4. D.a2 − b2
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (1/(a2 − b2))

Explanation

p = (a − b)/(a + b)² and q = (a − b)²/(a + b). Dividing, p/q = (a − b)/(a + b)² × (a + b)/(a − b)² = 1/((a + b)(a − b)) = 1/(a² − b²).