Exponent Question: Simplifying 6ab - 2b2 / 12ab - 4b2

  • Thread starter Thread starter Carnivean
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Exponent
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying the expression (6ab - 2b²) / (12ab - 4b²). The user initially calculated the result as 0.5ab + 0.5b² but is uncertain about the simplification of -2b² / -4b². Clarification is provided that the exponent rule indicates -2b² / -4b² simplifies to 0.5b², not just 1. The conversation emphasizes pulling out common multiples from both the numerator and denominator for accurate simplification. Overall, the correct simplification process is highlighted to resolve the user's confusion.
Carnivean
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Hi I am currently doing this problem and ran into a fork in the road-

6ab - 2b2 / 12ab - 4b2

I got .5ab + .5b2 as my answer. Now I am wondering if the second part is right because I am not sure if -2b2 / -4b2
is either .5b2 or just 1.. because the exponents 2-2= 0 and anything with the exponent of 0 equals 1 right?

Some help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If its (6ab - 2b^2) / (12ab - 4b^2)

pull out the common multiples from the numerator and dominator

also .5b^2 and 1 don't work
 
yes anything with exponent of 0 equals one you then multiply that one with -2 / -4,... the same way any number divided that number is one except zero yada yada yada...
 

Thread 'Family of lines that are at a distance of 5 from the origin'

I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
View full post »

Similar threads

Exponents clarification question
Replies
6
Views
2K
Powers with fractional exponents that have an even denominator
Replies
13
Views
3K
Solving a Rational exponent(simplify)
Replies
4
Views
2K
MHB Calculating Exponents for Business Model
Replies
5
Views
2K
Solving Exponent Laws: 2^3 / 2^0 - 2^-1 Question on Homework
Replies
9
Views
2K
Comp Sci IEEE-754 Precision Format
Replies
17
Views
3K
Simplify Exponents and Confirm with Wolfram Alpha: (54-3y)3 * (5y-2)2 Solution
Replies
3
Views
2K
Solving a separable matrix ODE.
Replies
3
Views
1K
Prove ##|\{ q\in\mathbb{Q}: q>0 \} |=|\mathbb{N}|##.
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to Solve Binomial Expansion Problems?
Replies
8
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top