# Math Help - Simplifying a fraction with powers in it

1. ## Simplifying a fraction with powers in it

I have a question for which my answer does not tally with the proper one. I cannot figure out why. Here it is;

Simplify $(s^3 + t^2s) / s$

Now the answer I would give would be $s^2 + t^2s$, however the official answer is apparently just $s^2 + t^2$.

Why is this? Where am I going astray

2. ## Re: Simplifying a fraction with powers in it

Actually, I think I understand where I went wrong. I guess there is a rule saying I have to cancel out the 's' on both sides of the + sign?

3. ## Re: Simplifying a fraction with powers in it

Originally Posted by Consumariat
I have a question for which my answer does not tally with the proper one. I cannot figure out why. Here it is;

Simplify $(s^3 + t^2s) / s$

Now the answer I would give would be $s^2 + t^2s$, however the official answer is apparently just $s^2 + t^2$.

Why is this? Where am I going astray
$\frac{(s^3 + t^2s) } {s}=\frac{s^3}{s}+\frac{t^2s}{s}=s^2 + t^2$

4. ## Re: Simplifying a fraction with powers in it

You can say that $\dfrac{a+b}{c} = \dfrac{a}{c} + \dfra\{b}{c}$.

In your case $a = s^3 , b = t^2s, c = s$ which gives $\dfrac{s^3+t^2s}{s} = \dfrac{s^3}{s} + \dfrac{t^2s}{s}$ and then s will cancel from both fractions

5. ## Re: Simplifying a fraction with powers in it

Thank you all for the help.