SOLUTION: I am to simplify this expression (2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2 My work is... (2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2 =(2x-3y)^2 / [-(2x-3y)]^2 =(2x-3y)^2 / (2x-3y)^2 =-1 What am I doing wrong? My t

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I am to simplify this expression (2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2 My work is... (2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2 =(2x-3y)^2 / [-(2x-3y)]^2 =(2x-3y)^2 / (2x-3y)^2 =-1 What am I doing wrong? My t      Log On


   

Question 1031478: I am to simplify this expression (2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2
My work is...
(2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2
=(2x-3y)^2 / [-(2x-3y)]^2
=(2x-3y)^2 / (2x-3y)^2
=-1
What am I doing wrong? My teacher states my answer is incorrect. Please tell me what I am missing. Thank you.
Found 2 solutions by Fombitz, Boreal:
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
=(2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2
=(2x-3y)^2 / [-(2x-3y)]^2
=(2x-3y)^2 / (2x-3y)^2 <----- How do you go from this step to the next step?
Since
Z/Z=1
Why does your final step equal -1?

Answer by Boreal(15235) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(2x-3y)^2 / (3y-2x)^2
Foil them out
4x^2-12xy+9y^2/9y^2-12xy+4x^2
Those are the same. Answer is 1.
The issue is the minus sign you have in the brackets is also squared, and that equals 1.
I'm always cautious when I cancel squares, take square roots, or modify something that is being squared. Here, the safest way is to foil the two out and notice that they are the same, just written in different order.