How do you simplify #(5y-15)/(3y-9)#?
1 Answer
Explanation:
Your goal here is to see if you can find some common factors to simplify.
Right from the start, the fact that we have
#color(purple)("multiple of "y - "something")#
in the numerator and in the denominator is promising. Start by looking at the numerator. Notice that you can write
#15 = 5 * 3#
You are now working with
#5 * y - 5 * 3#
Since
#5 * (y - 3)#
Now focus on the denominator. Notice that you can write
#9 = 3 * 3#
Your denominator can thus be written as
#3 * y - 3 * 3#
Since
#3 * (y - 3)#
Put the fraction back together and simplify to get
#(5 * color(red)(cancel(color(black)((y-3)))))/(3 * color(red)(cancel(color(black)((y-3))))) = 5/3#
Keep in mind that you need to have