i need help solving this equation

Question

Reduce the rational expression to lowest terms. If it is already in lowest terms, enter the expression in the answer box.

 

(6a³-27a²-15a)/(2a³+11a²+5a)

 

i think i have the numerator figured out. 

 

3(a^3-9a^2-5) but i don't know what else to do with it. could someone help? i also need help with the denominator 

 

 

Answer 1

Jay, I hope you've incorrectly typed your work so far.

 

We can factor 3a out of the numerator...

 

3a(2a² - 9a - 5)

 

We can further factor 2a² - 9a - 5 into (2a + 1)(a - 5)

 

We can factor a out of the denominator...

 

a(2a² + 11a + 5) = a(2a + 1)(a + 5)

 

3a(2a + 1)(a - 5)/a(2a + 1)(a + 5) = 3(a - 5)/(a + 5)

 

Hope this helps!