Extra Examples
When factoring expressions with variables in the denominator, you need to be careful with how you handle the division. If the same variable appears in both numerator and denominator, you can simplify by reducing.
For example, with 4y4y2−24y, we can factor out 4y from the numerator to get 4y(y−6). Similarly, expressions like −3d21cd−3d can be factored as −3d(7c−1).
When working with more complex expressions, identify the GCF of all terms first. In 15a2b15a2b−30ab, we need to recognize common factors in both numerator and denominator before simplifying.
Remember: When factoring fractions, look for the GCF in the numerator first, then see if you can simplify by canceling common factors with the denominator.