Question

Simplify 12 times x to the fifth power all over 20 times x squared.

Answer 1

12x^5/20x^2 is this the problem?

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

Well first divide the coefficients.
12/20 = what?

Answer 4

1.6 ?

Answer 5

12 2^2 x 3
-- --------
20 2^2 x 5

You can can cancel the 2^2
which leaves you with

3
-
5

so

12 3
-- = --
20 5

Answer 6

Next step, when you're dividing variables, the exponents subtract.
So,

x^5
--- = 5-2 = what?
x^2

Answer 7

3

Answer 8

so

x^5
--- = x^3
x^2

Therefore,

12x^5 3x^3
------ = ----
20x^2 5

Answer 9

thank you. i hate math so much.. youre a major help.