If a?b is equivalent to b – a ⁄ a + b , what is the value of a?(a?b) when a = 6 and b = –5?

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Accepted Answer

The definition of the function states that the term before the ? symbol should be subtracted from the term after the ? symbol, and that difference should be divided by the sum of the two terms. Begin with the innermost function: a?b, which is given as b – a ⁄ a + b . Substitute the values of a and b: –5 – 6 ⁄ 6 + (–5) = –11 ⁄ 1 = –11. Now evaluate a?–11. Remember, the term before the ? symbol should be subtracted from the term after the ? symbol, and that difference should be divided by the sum of the two terms. Substitute the value of a again: –11 – 6 ⁄ 6 + (–11) = –17 ⁄ –5 = 17 ⁄ 5 .

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