SOLUTION: Please help me solve 3x^2y^4 fraction bar 6y^8 I know that the 3x^2 stays on top of the fraction bar. I am getting confused about 2y^4 divided by 6y^8. I know I will be subtra

Question 728696: Please help me solve 3x^2y^4 fraction bar 6y^8
I know that the 3x^2 stays on top of the fraction bar.
I am getting confused about 2y^4 divided by 6y^8.
I know I will be subtracting the exponent 8 from the exponent 4. Does it then become a negative and then do I move it on top of the fraction bar?
I am also confused about dividing 1y and 6y.
I would really appreciate your help.
Deb
tdsterrenberg@aol.com

Answer by solver91311(24713) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

You are not dividing "1y" by "6y". You have already taken care of the "y" once you get the exponent part straightend out. You have a factor of 3 in the numerator and a factor of 6 in the denominator. That reduces to 1 in the numerator and a 2 in the denominator just the same as when you worked with regular "numbers only" fractions in elementary school.

Now, as to the exponents on the y.

in the numerator and

in the denominator. You can look at this a couple of ways, but you always get to the same place.

You can take the

in the denominator, change the sign, and move it to the numerator, then you can add 4 and -8 to get

in the numerator. If you have a requirement to end up with all positive exponents, then you can simply take the

in the numerator, change the sign, and move it to the denominator.

On the other hand, you can take the

in the numerator, change the sign, and move it to the denominator. Then add 8 and -4 to get

in the denominator. Same result as above.

Whichever tickles your fancy, or more to the point, whichever pleases your instructor.

John

Egw to Beta kai to Sigma
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it

The Out Campaign: Scarlet Letter of Atheism

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