To simplify the given complex fraction `(15-2/x)/(x/5+4)` , we may look for the LCD or least common denominator.
The denominators are `x` and `5` . Both are distinct factors.
Thus, we get the LCD by getting the product of the distinct factors from denominator side of each term.
`LCD =5*x=5x`
Multiply each term by the `LCD=5x` .
`(15*5x-2/x*5x)/(x/5*5x+4*5x)`
`(75x-10)/(x^2+20x)`
Another method is to simplify top and bottom as single fraction.
Let `15= (15x)/x` and `4 =20/5` .
`(15-2/x)/(x/5+4)`
`((15x)/x-2/x)/(x/5+20/5)`
`((15x-2)/x)/((x+20)/5)`
Flip the fraction at the bottom to proceed to multiplication.
`((15x-2)/x)* (5/(x+20))`
Multiply across fractions.
`((15x-2)*5)/(x*(x+20x))`
`(75x-10)/(x^2+20x)`
The complex fraction `(15-2/x)/(x/5+4)` simplifies to `(75x-10)/(x^2+20x)` .
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.