SOLUTION: Please help..how do i work this problem. I have to factor the numerator and denominator as completely as possible, then divide out all the like factors (one for one) in numerator

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: Please help..how do i work this problem. I have to factor the numerator and denominator as completely as possible, then divide out all the like factors (one for one) in numerator       Log On


   

Question 37349: Please help..how do i work this problem. I have to factor the numerator and denominator as completely as possible, then divide out all the like factors (one for one) in numerator and denominator.
    25x 
—————-———— 
 10x + 15

Please show me the details of getting the answer so i may understand how it is done.

Thank you,
Sean
Answer by AnlytcPhil(1806) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
    25x 
—————-———— 
 10x + 15

Factor the numerator as 5·5·x

   5·5·x 
—————-———— 
 10x + 15 

Factor the denominator as 5(2x + 3)

   5·5·x 
——————-———— 
 5(2x + 3) 

Now you may divide out the 5's which I have colored red below

   5·5·x 
——————-———— 
 5(2x + 3)

Normally we just cancel them like this:
   1 
   5·5·x 
——————-———— 
 5(2x + 3)
 1

and get

    5·x 
——————-———— 
 (2x + 3)

The we write 5x for 5·x and erase the parentheses 
around the denominator:

   5x 
—————-——— 
 2x + 3

Edwin
AnlytcPhil@aol.com