SOLUTION: Hello: I am very new to algebra. I am just beginning to understand how to simplify equations. However, for the following one I just don't understand how to begin. Any help

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Question 44734: Hello:
I am very new to algebra. I am just beginning to understand how to simplify equations. However, for the following one I just don't understand how to begin.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. You don't have to solve it for me but just a little help understanding how to approach it would be great.
12x^3 - 2x / 6x
Thank you
Found 2 solutions by adamchapman, Danielle82:
Answer by adamchapman(301) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have
The x's in the second term will cancel each other out, because anything divided by itself is just the number one:

the simplest way to express an fraction is by having the number one on the top of that fraction:
(by dividing top and bottom by 2)
Now we have
It would be best to have the on its own, without the 12 next to it. So divide everything by 12:

I hope this helps.
P.S. I am trying to start up my own homework help website. I would be extremely grateful if you would e-mail me some feedback on the help you received to adam.chapman@student.manchester.ac.uk
Adam

Answer by Danielle82(1) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hello-
To simplify an equation you need to factor out both the numerator and demoninator if possible. Then cancel out any common factors they have. Hope this helps.

Factor each side

Cancel out each side of common factors
Since there is a 2,3, and x common to both the top and the bottom we cancel them out and are left with:

Hope this helps
-Danielle