1. 12/8 +5/6 Consider the LCM of 6 and 8. This is the union, multiplied, of {2,3} and {2,2,2}. We get {2,3,2,2}. Multiplied together this is of course 24. That means, our two factors are: x/24 + y/24 From here we reason that we should include the 3 of 24/8 and the 4 of 24/6 need be included in the translation of 12/8 and 5/6. We get 12*3/8*3 and 5*4/6*4. We... read more

This is another way to find a distance between two parallel lines. This derivation was suggested to me by Andre and I highly recommend him and his answers to any student, who wants to learn math ans physics. This derivation requires the knowledge of trigonometry and some simple trigonometric identities, so this may be suitable for more advanced students.   Once again, we have two... read more

Suppose, one have two parallel lines given by the equations:   y=mx+b1 and y=mx+b2. Remember, if the lines are parallel, their slopes must be the same, so m is the same for two lines, hence no subscript for m. How would one approach the problem of finding the distance between those lines?   First, if one draws a picture, he or she shall immediately realize that... read more