Question

I'd love someone to demonstrate how to solve this problem step by step. :)

(4)/(x²y) - (-5)/(xy²)

Answer 1

\[\frac{4}{x^2y}-\frac{-5}{xy^2}\]
Just like when you add or subtract regular old fractions, you need to have a common denominator. You look at the denominators and figure out what they have in common. They both have an x and a y. That tells you that your common denominator will have an x and a y.

Answer 2

You also look at what they have that's different. Notice that the first one has an x^2 instead of just an x, and the second one has a y^2 instead of just a y. That tells you that you need another x and another y in your denominator. So your common denominator is going to be
\[x^2y^2\]
Okay so far?

Answer 3

Yep. :)

Answer 4

Okay, so we think, "What do we multiply the bottom by to get x^2y^2?" The only thing the first one is missing is another y. So we are going to multiply the top and the bottom by y.
\[\frac{4}{x^2y}\frac{y}{y}=\frac{4y}{x^2y^2}\]
Okay to there?

Answer 5

I think I have it figured out now. Your explanation was really helpful! Thank you. :)

Answer 6

:) No problem.