How do you simplify #\frac{( y^{3} z^{2} ) ( - y^{5} z^{3} )}{( y^{4} z^{5} )}#?

1 Answer
Oct 2, 2016

#-y^4#

Explanation:

In simplifying these types of fractions, take it step by step:

#1. rarr# determine the sign. (positive or negative?)

#2. rarr# simplify the numbers. (none in this case)

#3. rarr# work with the indices of like bases

#\frac{( y^{3} z^{2} ) ( - y^{5} z^{3} )}{( y^{4} z^{5} )}#

#1. rarr# the sign will be #-#. There is only one negative sign.

#2. rarr# the numerical coefficients are all 1.

#3. rarr# Simplify in the numerator. Add indices of like bases:

#= -(y^8z^5)/(y^4z^5) " "rarr = -(y^8cancel(z^5))/(y^4cancel(z^5))#

Simplify the fraction - subtract indices of like bases

#= -y^4#