# Reduce fraction to lowest terms

• Jan 22nd 2009, 11:53 PM
bryang
Reduce fraction to lowest terms
This problem confuses me:
1. $\frac{32c^3d^3}{64c^2d}$

I know how to reduce these two:
4. $\frac{2x+6}{3ax+9a}=\frac{2(x+3)}{3a(x+3)}=\frac{2 }{3a}$

9. $\frac{y^2+2y-15}{2y^2-12y+18}=\frac{(y-3)(y+5)}{(y-3)(2y-6)}=\frac{y+5}{2y-6}$

but how can I do that process when there is only one term in the numerator and denominator, like number 1??
• Jan 23rd 2009, 12:01 AM
hmmmm
take out a common factor of 32c^2.d and then cancel those terms.
• Jan 23rd 2009, 12:02 AM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by bryang
I know how to reduce these two:
4. $\frac{2x+6}{3ax+9a}=\frac{2(x+3)}{3a(x+3)}=\frac{2 }{3a}$

9. $\frac{y^2+2y-15}{2y^2-12y+18}=\frac{(y-3)(y+5)}{(y-3)(2y-6)}=\frac{y+5}{2y-6}$

but how can I do that process when there is only one term in the numerator and denominator, like number 1??

interesting. it's like you learned how to run before you can crawl...

Quote:

This problem confuses me:
1. $\frac{32c^3d^3}{64c^2d}$
think of it this way: $\frac {32c^3d^3}{64c^2d} = \frac {32}{64} \cdot \frac {c^3}{c^2} \cdot \frac {d^3}{d}$

now recall the rule: $\frac {x^a}{x^b} = x^{a - b}$

can you finish?

...you may prefer hmmmm's suggestion, since it is similar to the way you did the others
• Jan 23rd 2009, 12:16 AM
bryang
Aha.. the answer is:

$

\frac{cd^2}{2}
$

Thanks hmmmm and Jhevon, it makes sense now. (Clapping)
• Jan 23rd 2009, 01:11 AM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by bryang
Aha.. the answer is:

$

\frac{cd^2}{2}
$

Thanks hmmmm and Jhevon, it makes sense now. (Clapping)

(Clapping) Good, and you're welcome (Sun)