Question

Simplify the complex algebraic expression:
(12x^3)/(7y^4)/(3x^5)/(2y)

Answer 1

Are they two fractions?

Answer 2

Yes.

Answer 3

So upon having division of fractions... we never really divide. We multiply instead. So in order to do this... we need to flip the 2nd fraction. (Reciprocal)

Answer 4

\[\frac{ 12x ^{3} }{ 7y ^{4} }*\frac{ 2y }{ 3x ^{5} }\]

Answer 5

So multiply straight across please and tell me what you get.

Answer 6

(24x^3y)/(21x^5y4)?

Answer 7

Yes!

Answer 8

Now, can't we simplify? Lets start with the whole numbers out front...

Answer 9

\[\frac{ 24 }{ 21 }\]

Answer 10

What does that reduce to?

Answer 11

8/7..

Answer 12

Good... so now we have...

Answer 13

\[\frac{ x ^{3}y }{ x ^{5}y ^{4} }\]

Answer 14

Now, lets do the x's first... we know that 5-3 = 2 right?

Answer 15

(8/7x^3y^3

Answer 16

Since the 5 is the bigger number it determines where the x^2 will end up... 5 is on the bottom so that is where the x^2 will go

Answer 17

Wow, @Katelynmorris you are good, just minor error... it should be x^3

Answer 18

x^2

Answer 19

sorry!

Answer 20

Thank you! :)