Thread: Reducing expressions

Could someone please explain the best way to reduce these expressions?


4x^2
-----
2x^9



-2x-8
-----
x^2+2x-8

And how to solve this

x^2 = 14x


Thanks

Could someone please explain the best way to reduce these expressions?


4x^2
-----
2x^9

When you divide powers you subtract the exponents. Of course, 4/2=2.

2-9=-7. So you have:



-2x-8
-----
x^2+2x-8

Always check to see if anything factors.



Now, cancel what will cancel.

And how to solve this

x^2 = 14x

There isn't much to this.

Divide through by x:

x=14 or 0.

Thank you very much for taking the time to explain.

Chester