SOLUTION: Using the LCD to simplify Complex Fractions. This problem has me stumped, can you help ? 4ab^5 ------ a+b ----- 6a^2b^4 I think the LCD for this one is 1/6a^2b^4. Please

Question 174308This question is from textbook Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
: Using the LCD to simplify Complex Fractions. This problem has me stumped, can you help ?
4ab^5
------
a+b
-----
6a^2b^4
I think the LCD for this one is 1/6a^2b^4. Please show me the steps This question is from textbook Elementary and Intermediate Algebra

Found 2 solutions by Earlsdon, solver91311:
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Simplify:
To divide fractions, you "copy-flip-flip" That is: Copy the first fraction, flip the sign from divide to multiply, flip (invert) the second fraction.
Rewrite this after some factoring.
Cancel the indicated factors to get:

Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I think you are trying to illustrate the following:

Since you aren't trying to find the sum of fractions, you have no need of a Lowest Common Denominator.

So, this is divided by , but the divisor can be expressed as .

Just like performing any other division by a fraction problem, invert the divisor and multiply:

Now, all you need to do is eliminate factors common to both the numerator and denominator, namely , leaving you with:

which can be expressed as . It is moot, in my mind, as to which form is simpler. In fact, if this were the result of an intermediate calculation as part of a larger problem, you may choose one over the other depending on the nature of the further calculation in which you intend to use the expression.

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