Question

Simplifying Rational Expressions, I don't understand how they got this answer?

Answer 1

\[2p-24\div 4p-48\] This is the original problem.

Answer 2

First I canceled out the 24 and divided 48 by 24 to get 2. then i cancelled out 2p and divided 4p and got 2.

Answer 3

\[1-1/2-2\] This is the answer I got.

Answer 4

The book has 1/2 written as the answer.I don't understand that.

Answer 5

@Mertsj

Answer 6

\[\frac{2p-24}{4p-48}\]

Answer 7

First you must know that only factors may be cancelled. That's why you are having trouble. You cancelled addends.

Answer 8

So before you can cancel, you have to factor the numerator and denominator.

Answer 9

\[\frac{2x-24}{4x-48}=\frac{2(x-12)}{4(x-12)}\]

Answer 10

Now...those are factors and can be cancelled. Can you finish it?

Answer 11

Ok, I get that :) Thank you for showing me :)

Answer 12

yw