Binomial Fraction Simplification


The problems in Prime Factoring 2 are very similar to the problems in this topic.
To review Prime Factoring 2, see here.

Simplify the fraction by parts.
10w3
5w
 =
10
5		 • w3
w
  Identify each part
  =
2   10  
  5  		 •   w   • w • w
  w  
  Simplify each part
  =
2 • w2
 
  = 2w2    


Example 1: Monomial

Simplify.
6a5w3s
8aw4
  

6a5w3s
8aw4
 =
6
8		 • a5
a		 • w3
w4		 • s
  =
3
4		 • a4
1		 • 1
w		 • s
  =
3a4s
4w


Example 2: Binomial

Simplify.
a.
-2x - 8
3x + 12
  

-2x - 8
3x + 12
 =
-2(x + 4)
3(x + 4)
  =
-2
3
b.
8
2x - 10
  

8
2x - 10
 =
8
2(x - 5)
  =
4
x - 5

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