Question

(8x^2y^2+4xy^2-12y^2) ÷ 4xy^2

I received this problem. I was told to divide the rational expression. The problem I am having is I feel like something is missing. I only understand to divide rational expressions we take the first rational expression and multiply it by the reciprocal of the 2nd rational expression. To me, this doesn't look right, it looks like maybe simplify? Or how would you divide this?
Thanks.. Steph

Answer 1

first term:
8x^2y^2/4xy^2=2x
then do the second, and third term.

for the third term, note
-12y^2/4xy^2=-3/x

Answer 2

Ok, this makes sense to me. I wrote out your explanation on paper and did the problem on paper. So, the answer is 2x-3x?
p.s. thanks so much for responding, really appreciate the help.

Answer 3

( 8 x ^ 2 y ^ 2 + 4 x y ^ 2 - 12 y ^ 2 ) / ( 4 x y ^ 2 ) =

4 y ^ 2 ( 2 x ^ 2 + x - 3 ) / ( 4 x y ^ 2 ) =

( 2 x ^ 2 + x - 3 ) / x

Answer 4

Thanks Bosnian. The way you worked it is actually what I had done before I posted the question, but I was unsure.