Why does 32x^4/2y -12/x stop at 16x^4/y - 12/x?

Question

Hi, I am doing some homework questions on fractions with variables. I am lost in this question because the solution in the back of the book says the answer is 16x^4/y - 12/x. Shouldn't I be able to continue to get 16x^5 - 12y/ xy?

 

Answer 1

Hello Liam,

 

Barring a few missing () in your question, I think you've got the right answer.

 

     F = (32x⁴ / 2y) - (12/x)

     F = (16x⁴ / y) - (12/x)

     F = (16x⁵ / xy) - (12y / xy)

     F = (16x⁵ - 12y)/xy

 

Looks legit. Most would say that the 2nd line is the cleanest-looking form, but the 4th line is just as valid.