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Factor the numerator and denominator.
Factor the numerator and denominator.
Simplify the numerator and denominator before performing the division.
x-4/3x+2
5/x-3
2
To reduce a fraction we have to rewrite the numerator and denominator to identify common factors. To simplify the expression we want to factor both the numerator and denominator. We will start with the numerator.
Write as a difference
Factor out x
Factor out 4
Factor out (x-4)
Let's continue with the denominator.
Write as a difference
Factor out x
Factor out 4
Factor out (3x+2)
Now we can rewrite the fraction as follows. (x-4)(x-4)/(x-4)(3x+2) Note that (x-4) is in both the numerator and denominator.
Write as a product of fractions
a/a=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
The 1
created when dividing (x-4) by (x-4) is sometimes referred to as a Giant One.
The fraction can be rewritten as follows.
x-4/3x+2
Let's factor both the numerator and denominator. The numerator is 10x+25, which means that 5 can be factored out.
10x+25 = 5(2x+5)
For the denominator, let's rewrite - x as -6x+5x and then factor.
Write as a sum
Factor out 2x
Factor out 5
Factor out (x-3)
Now we have both numerator and denominator in factored form, which means we can rewrite the fraction as follows.
10x+25/2x^2-x-15=5(2x+5)/(2x+5)(x-3)
Here, (2x+5) is both above and below the fraction line, meaning they can be used to create a Giant One.
Commutative Property of Multiplication
Write as a product of fractions
a/a=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
Let's first look at the fraction in the numerator and denominator separately, then simplify them. We start with the numerator.
Write as a product of fractions
a/a=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
Commutative Property of Multiplication
Write as a product of fractions
a/a=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
Now that we have simplified the expressions, let's perform the division. When a fraction is divided by another fraction. The division sign becomes a multiplication sign and the denominator fraction is inverted, meaning the numerator and denominator switch places.
Substitute expressions
a/b÷c/d=a/b*d/c
Commutative Property of Multiplication
a/a=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
Calculate quotient
The expression simplifies to 2.