Simplify help

[goldbadger]

Hi, I want to simplify this expression but also learn how this is done

3x^9 / y^2
__________
4x^2 / 3y^5


thanks

badger

 

[stapel]

I want to simplify this expression but also learn how this is done

3x^9 / y^2
__________
4x^2 / 3y^5

To learn how to simplify complex fractions, please consider studying some online lessons, such as those listed here.

Please study at least two lessons from the link, and then attempt the exercise. If you get stuck, please reply with a clear listing of your efforts so far. Thank you!

 

[JeffM]

Hi, I want to simplify this expression but also learn how this is done

3x^9 / y^2
__________
4x^2 / 3y^5


thanks

badger

Do you remember from back in arithmetic how to divide a fraction by a fraction? Remember that the letters in algebra just represent numbers so what you learned in arithmetic still applies.

\(\displaystyle \dfrac{\dfrac{a}{b}}{\dfrac{c}{d}} = \dfrac{a}{b} * \dfrac{d}{c}.\) Remember that?

OK what do you get when you do that to the expression you are to simplify?

Now what do you remember about the laws of exponents? Can you use one of them to help you simplify further?