Subtract as indicated. Express your answer in lowest terms.StartFraction 2 Over 3 p squared EndFraction

minusStartFraction 3 Over p EndFraction
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1 answer

To subtract the two fractions \(\frac{2}{3p^2} - \frac{3}{p}\), we first need to find a common denominator.

The denominators are \(3p^2\) and \(p\). The least common denominator (LCD) is \(3p^2\).

Next, we will rewrite each fraction with this common denominator:

  1. The first fraction \(\frac{2}{3p^2}\) is already in terms of the LCD.

  2. The second fraction \(\frac{3}{p}\) needs to be rewritten. We can multiply the numerator and denominator by \(3p\) to get: \[ \frac{3}{p} = \frac{3 \cdot 3}{p \cdot 3} = \frac{9}{3p^2} \]

Now we can rewrite the subtraction: \[ \frac{2}{3p^2} - \frac{9}{3p^2} = \frac{2 - 9}{3p^2} = \frac{-7}{3p^2} \]

So, the final answer, expressed in lowest terms, is: \[ \frac{-7}{3p^2} \]