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View Full Version : Factor differences of squares with fractions involved


smarshal
Apr 27, 2011, 02:21 PM
1/4u^2 - 9/4

smoothy
Apr 27, 2011, 03:14 PM
Since you didn't bother to read the rules before trying to get someone else to do your homework... here they are.

Read this first: Expectations for the Homework Help board
Do not simply retype or paste a question from your book or study material

We won't do your homework questions for you.
You were given the assignment for you to learn.

If you come up with your own answer and post it for us to critique that is within reason.

If you have some SPECIFIC questions that you couldn't find or didn't understand, we may help with that.
But this is your assignment, so show us you have at least attempted to complete it on your own.

Thank you.

jcaron2
Apr 27, 2011, 07:20 PM
First off, do you know how to factor the difference of two squares when fractions AREN'T involved?

If you can do that, then just remember that when you square a fraction, you simply square the numerator and denominator individually. Hence a fraction like 3/4 becomes 9/16, or 2/5 becomes 4/25. So when you need to work backwards, starting with a square and needing to find the square root, just do the opposite. When you take the square root of a fraction like 9/4 you can just take the square root of the numerator and denominator separately (i.e. 9/4 becomes 3/2).

If that doesn't help, or you're still unsure how to proceed, post back and let us know which part or parts are confusing you. We'll help you out.