Kimberly M.

asked • 08/21/16

Simplify the expression - Show Work Please

5/6b + 3/4a^2
 
I keep trying to simplify but I cant seem to find a way to simplify it any further but according to my notes, my final answer is 10a^2+9b/12ba^2

Kenneth S.

Tutors, we MUST point out the need for clarity by using sufficient parentheses. Students fail to understand that, and consequentlly provide us with bad information (violations of order of operations).  Example: 5/6b HAS TO BE INTERPRETED, according to order of operations, as  coefficient (5/6), times variable b.  
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08/21/16

Michael J.

You are correct, Kenneth.  I usually tell students to use them to make their expressions and equation more clearer.
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08/21/16

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

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Michael J. answered • 08/21/16

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You need to first find the LCD.  I see that your LCD is correct.  Multiply the numerator and denominator of the first term by 2a2.  Multiply the numerator and denominator of the second term by 3b.
 
(10a2 + 9b) / 12a2b
 
You are correct.  This cannot be simplified any further.  The only thing you can do is break it up so that it looks like the original problem.  But that is not what we want here.
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Michael J.

Both tutors gave you the same answer.  Yet, one gets vote up and other gets vote down.  Now does that make any sense?
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08/21/16

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