Rational Functions

[Ammory]

ok...so im guessing the teacher wants me to simplify this somehow....

3x _ y
4y[sup:1ycp58eh]2[/sup:1ycp58eh] 6x



i think youre supposed to multiply them to get the same denominators or something, but i dont know what to do after that...i need some help...

 

[tkhunny]

Opinions vary concerning what constitues "simplified".

After finding the common denominator, see if you can factor the numerator. (Hint: Difference of squares - maybe.)

 

[stapel]

ok...so im guessing the teacher wants me to simplify this somehow....

You weren't given any instructions...? :shock:

3x _ y
4y[sup:396qvove]2[/sup:396qvove] 6x

To learn how to format in a web-safe manner, try here. :wink:

i think youre supposed to multiply them to get the same denominators or something, but i dont know what to do after that.

Start with that, and see where it leads....

\(\displaystyle \frac{3x}{4y^2}\, -\, \frac{y}{6x}\, =\, \frac{9x^2}{12xy^2}\, -\, \frac{2y^3}{12xy^2}\, =\,...\)