Will someone quickly explain to me how to simplify this rational expression? Thanks!

Question

anonymous · Answer

$$\frac{2x^2 + 6x }{ 10x^3 }$$

anonymous · Answer

id start by factoring.  what can you pull out of both the numerator and the denominator.

anonymous · Answer

The number 2?

anonymous · Answer

2x, sorry.

anonymous · Answer

yep, you can also cancel something as well.

anonymous · Answer

the most important thing about canceling is that the term u are canceling must be in each term in the numerator and denominator.  for example.. x+3/x^2 you cannot cancel an x because there is no x with the 3

anonymous · Answer

so same here.. you cannot cancel x^2 because only a single power x term is in the numerator's 2nd term.

anonymous · Answer

we.. if you pull out 2x, you would be left with $$\frac{ x+3 }{ 5x^2 }$$

anonymous · Answer

NO WAIT! $$\frac{ x + 3 }{ 5x^2 }$$
Ach! You typed it in before me. Oh well. Thank you, you have been very helpful!

anonymous · Answer

great! ill be around for a few hours.  let me know if you need more help.