I have two questions which have a squared fraction in them. One is like this, (9/2)2 Divided by 3 3/2 and the other is (5/2)2 - 12/20. My question is...how do you work with the squared fractions? I am totally lost and any help is appreciated.

Edit: I've also ran into another question which I am having trouble with. This question is (- 25/24) x (36/30). The '-' in the first fraction is equal with the / paper meaning the whole fraction is negative I believe? Anyway I can't remember how to reduce the fractions so I can multiply.

2. Originally Posted by LoseratMap
I have two questions which have a squared fraction in them. One is like this, (9/2)2 Divided by 3 3/2 and the other is (5/2)2 - 12/20. My question is...how do you work with the squared fractions? I am totally lost and any help is appreciated.
follow the rule: $\bigg( \frac xy \bigg)^a = \frac {x^a}{y^a}$

so in particular, $\bigg( \frac xy \bigg)^2 = \frac {x^2}{y^2}$

you could also recall that you square something is to multiply it by itself

3. So the squared fractions would be (81/4) and (25/9) ?

4. Originally Posted by LoseratMap
So the squared fractions would be (81/4) and (25/9) ?
yes and no (unless you meant (5/3)^2 and not (5/2)^2)

5. Originally Posted by Jhevon
yes and no (unless you meant (5/3)^2 and not (5/2)^2)
Yes I meant 5/3^2 thanks. Now I have one more little problem? The problem with 5/3^2 - 12/20 doesn't seem to work out. I can't subtract it...help please? 9 and 20 don't have a common denominator

6. Originally Posted by LoseratMap
Yes I meant 5/3^2 thanks. Now I have one more little problem? The problem with 5/3^2 - 12/20 doesn't seem to work out. I can't subtract it...help please? 9 and 20 don't have a common denominator
really? what about 9*20 = 180 ?

if it is hard to find common denominators, note that the product of the denominators is always one. it might not be the smallest, but you can simplify your answer when done

7. Originally Posted by Jhevon
really? what about 9*20 = 180 ?

if it is hard to fin common denominators, note that the product of the denominators is always one. it might not be the smallest, but you can simplify your answer when done
Okay. Thanks for all your help.