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-   -   Factor Completely (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=390054)

  • Aug 24, 2009, 12:54 PM
    usaboy94
    Factor Completely
    3x^5 y^2 - 21x^2 y^7
  • Aug 24, 2009, 12:55 PM
    Unknown008

    What have you tried so far? I told you to try, remember? :rolleyes: tell me where you are stuck.
  • Aug 24, 2009, 01:00 PM
    usaboy94
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Unknown008 View Post
    What have you tried so far? I told you to try, remember? :rolleyes: tell me where you are stuck.

    I have tried subtracting the exponents, which didn't work. I already know the answer, it is 3x^2 y^2 (x^3 - 7y^5)
  • Aug 24, 2009, 01:08 PM
    Unknown008

    I don't quite understand what you mean by 'subtracting the exponents'...

    Ok, this is how I'll teach it to you:

    Factors of 3x^5y^2


    And factors of


    Group the common factors of 3x^5y^2 and 21x^2 y^7: You have 3, x, x, y, y, which makes 3x^2y^2

    Now rewrite, with what remains:


    If you expand (3x^2y^2)(x^3), you'll have 3x^5y^2 and if you expand (3x^2y^2)(7y^5), you'll have 21x^2 y^7.

    Hope it helped! :)
  • Aug 24, 2009, 01:31 PM
    usaboy94
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Unknown008 View Post
    I don't quite understand what you mean by 'subtracting the exponents'...

    Ok, this is how I'll teach it to you:

    Factors of 3x^5y^2


    And factors of


    Group the common factors of 3x^5y^2 and 21x^2 y^7: You have 3, x, x, y, y, which makes 3x^2y^2

    Now rewrite, with what remains:


    If you expand (3x^2y^2)(x^3), you'll have 3x^5y^2 and if you expand (3x^2y^2)(7y^5), you'll have 21x^2 y^7.

    Hope it helped! :)


    Thanks i understand now. :D

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