document.write( "Question 472134: I am trying to subtract a rational expression with an unlike denominator.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Simplify the expression: 4/(5x) - 3/x\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "To find the least common denominator, first I completely factor the denominators.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I get: 5x = 5 * 1 * x and x = x\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "So the least common denominator contains the highest power of each factor that appears in either denominator, so the least common denominator is 5 * x * x, or 5x^2. I am not exactly sure why I picked 5 and x and x.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "When I rewrite the fractions using the least common denominator I get:\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "((4 * x)/(5x * x)) - ((3 * 5x)/(x * 5x))\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Which gives me: 4x/5x^2 - 15x/5x^2\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Which gives me: -11x/5x^2\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Which simplifies to : -11/5x\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Is this process correct? My problem lies with correctly understanding how to determine the least common denominator.
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Algebra.Com's Answer #323738 by jim_thompson5910(35256)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You are correct. Good job. \n" ); document.write( "
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