# A little help please simplifying problem

1. Mar 12, 2007

### kristo

I'm supposed to simplify this, help please!
$\frac{a^4-b^4}{4a^2+4b^2}:(a+b)$
Sorry for posting in the wrong section, could someone move it?

Last edited: Mar 12, 2007
2. Mar 12, 2007

### neutrino

Welcome to PF, kristo.

According to forum guidelines, you need to show you work before asking for help.

3. Mar 14, 2007

### sutupidmath

the result will be: (a-b)/4

Last edited: Mar 14, 2007
4. Mar 14, 2007

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Normally, I would delete a post giving the answer while the original poster has not shown any effort on the problem, especially when there is no work done. Here, however, there is no difficulty since the "answer" given by sutupidmath is obviously wrong!

Kristo, what does that ":" mean? Are you simply multiplying the fraction by (a+ b)? I will give a hint- you can both numerator and denominator of the fraction.

5. Mar 14, 2007

### sutupidmath

I appologize for entering the answer directly. However if ":" on kristos problem means division then i do not see why my answer is wrong?

6. Mar 14, 2007

### HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
I didn't think of : meaning division- you think it is missing a -?

In that case I can see your answer- although the usual interpretation of
a+ b/4 would be a+ (b/4)- still not right!

7. Mar 14, 2007

### neutrino

I think he meant division in the way ratios are written. 2:3, for example.