SOLUTION: (24 a^7)/(8 a^4)-(48 a^9)/(2 a^6)

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Question 202225: (24 a^7)/(8 a^4)-(48 a^9)/(2 a^6)
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%2824+a%5E7%29%2F%288+a%5E4%29+-+%2848+a%5E9%29%2F%282+a%5E6%29
As is the case with any problem involving fractions (with or without variables), it is a good idea to see if a) the fractions will reduce; and b) the reduced fractions make the problem easier.
Reducing %2824+a%5E7%29%2F%288+a%5E4%29+-+%2848+a%5E9%29%2F%282+a%5E6%29 we get:

which, using the rule for exponents: %28a%5Ex%29%2F%28a%5Ey%29+=+a%5E%28x-y%29, simplifies to:
3a%5E3+-+24a%5E3
Not only have the fractions disappeared, the remaining expression is very simple to simplify further:
-21a%5E3