Algebra (Complex Fractions)

1. Mar 8, 2008

kwikness

This is a calculus equation, but I'm having trouble with the algebra part of it.

I'm confused about how they simplify from step 4 to 5. Can someone help me?

2. Mar 8, 2008

rocomath

$$\frac{-y+x\left(-\frac x y\right)}{y^2}\cdot\frac{\frac y 1}{\frac y 1}$$

$$\frac{-y^2-x^2}{y^3}$$

Last edited: Mar 8, 2008
3. Mar 8, 2008

sutupidmath

you did a mistake in here!!!!!!!! in the denominator.

4. Mar 8, 2008

rocomath

oops, I was so caught up on my latex I forgot about the denominator.

5. Mar 9, 2008

kwikness

where does the y/w come from?

6. Mar 9, 2008

Gib Z

There is no y/w.

The point is, they multiplied the numerator and denominator by y.

7. Mar 9, 2008

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
If you mean "y/1", they are just multiplying both numerator and denominator by y.

8. Mar 9, 2008

Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
kwikness: If you were asekd to simplify

[tex]\frac{1 + \frac{4}{3}}{5}[/itex]

you could do it, right? What is preventing you from understanding how to simplify the fraction you asked about?