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#1 2013-07-08 10:40:49

bronxsystem
Member
Registered: 2013-06-22
Posts: 63

algebra reducing fractions to lowest terms

Hey all im stuck on this problem and looks like i will need to redo the chapter because im missing something.

Any chance someone can just aware me how to solve this?

Reduce the following fractions to lowest terms

(y^2 + 2y - 15) / ( 2y^2 - 12y + 18)

been up a while my brain all mushy but i know im meant to factor both the numerator and denominator into their prime factors.

i think the denominator would be (2y - 6) (y - 3) is that right?
the numerator im stuck and not sure what to do next

any help appreciated ^^

Last edited by bronxsystem (2013-07-08 10:48:06)

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#2 2013-07-08 10:46:23

bronxsystem
Member
Registered: 2013-06-22
Posts: 63

Re: algebra reducing fractions to lowest terms

(y + 5)(y - 3) / (2y - 6)(y - 3)

so answer

(y + 5) / (2y - 6)

but the denominator can be factored further to 2 (y - 3)

so answer is (y + 5) / 2 ( y- 3)

bah is my logic correct or is there something missing S:

Last edited by bronxsystem (2013-07-08 10:55:04)

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#3 2013-07-08 10:50:22

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: algebra reducing fractions to lowest terms

Hi;

You will be able to finish now.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

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#4 2013-07-08 10:55:24

bronxsystem
Member
Registered: 2013-06-22
Posts: 63

Re: algebra reducing fractions to lowest terms

thanks i will save thread and look over it again so i dont forget ^^

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#5 2013-07-08 10:57:35

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: algebra reducing fractions to lowest terms

If you get stuck factoring numerator and denominator then use the quadratic formula on them.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

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