Math Problem Statement

Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the following rational expressions: (x + y) / (6y^3) and (3x) / (2x^2 y)

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to find the least common denominator (LCD) of the two rational expressions given:

x+y6y3and3x2x2y\frac{x + y}{6y^3} \quad \text{and} \quad \frac{3x}{2x^2 y}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Denominators:

    • First expression: 6y36y^3
    • Second expression: 2x2y2x^2 y
  2. Prime Factorization of Denominators:

    • For 6y36y^3:
      6=2×36 = 2 \times 3, so the prime factorization is 2×3×y32 \times 3 \times y^3.
    • For 2x2y2x^2 y:
      The prime factorization is 2×x2×y2 \times x^2 \times y.
  3. Finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD): To find the LCD, we take the highest powers of all the variables and constants in the denominators:

    • For the constant 22, we take 22 (highest power is 1).
    • For the constant 33, we take 33 (since it's only in the first denominator).
    • For xx, we take x2x^2 (highest power is x2x^2 from the second denominator).
    • For yy, we take y3y^3 (highest power is y3y^3 from the first denominator).

    Thus, the LCD is: LCD=6x2y3\text{LCD} = 6x^2 y^3

Conclusion:

The least common denominator (LCD) of the given rational expressions is 6x2y36x^2 y^3.


Would you like a more detailed explanation of any step?

Here are five related questions to expand on this topic:

  1. How do you simplify rational expressions after finding the LCD?
  2. What happens if one of the denominators includes a negative exponent?
  3. Can you find the least common denominator for three or more rational expressions?
  4. How does the presence of a variable in the numerator affect finding the LCD?
  5. What is the general method for simplifying complex fractions?

Tip: Always factor the denominators fully when looking for the least common denominator (LCD) to avoid missing any terms.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Expressions
Least Common Denominator (LCD)

Formulas

LCD = Highest powers of all terms in denominators

Theorems

Finding the LCD by taking the highest powers of variables and constants in the denominators

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10