Question

Simplify to lowest terms, if possible: (12 z^2)/(16 z^4)

Answer 1

can you reduce the fraction
\[\frac{12}{16}\]?

Answer 2

what about the exponents? @satellite73

Answer 3

we'll get there
one step at a time

Answer 4

3/4

Answer 5

ok good
now how about
\[\frac{z^2}{z^4}\]?

Answer 6

would you subtract them?

Answer 7

yes you subtract the exponents, but since 4 is larger than 2, i would subtract with the z in the denominator

Answer 8

\[\frac{12z^2}{16z^4}=\frac{3}{4z^{4-2}}=\frac{3}{4z^2}\]

Answer 9

you are really just cancelling
\[\frac{z^2}{z^4}=\frac{z\times z}{z\times z\times z\times z}=\frac{1}{z\times z}=\frac{1}{z^2}\]

Answer 10

got it thanks!!

Answer 11

yw