Worked Example 1
Simplify 15a³b² ÷ 5ab.
Numbers first15 ÷ 5 = 3
Now each letter in turna: 3 − 1 = 2. b: 2 − 1 = 1
Put it together3a²b
Check by multiplying back3a²b × 5ab returns 15a³b². This check always works.
Worked Example 2
Simplify (12x³ − 8x² + 4x) ÷ 4x.
Divide each term separatelyThree terms on top means three terms in the answer
First term12x³ ÷ 4x = 3x²
Second and third terms−8x² ÷ 4x = −2x, and 4x ÷ 4x = 1
Answer and check3x² − 2x + 1. With x = 1 both give 2.
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