Math Problem Statement

What is the least common denominator of each list of rational expressions?

Solution

The problem is asking for the least common denominator (LCD) of the given rational expressions. The denominators are:

  1. 6ab36ab^3
  2. 2a22a^2
  3. 4b24b^2

Steps to find the LCD:

  1. Factor each denominator:

    • 6ab3=23ab36ab^3 = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot a \cdot b^3
    • 2a2=2a22a^2 = 2 \cdot a^2
    • 4b2=22b24b^2 = 2^2 \cdot b^2
  2. Identify the highest powers of all factors:

    • For 22, the highest power is 222^2 (from 4b24b^2).
    • For 33, it appears in 6ab36ab^3.
    • For aa, the highest power is a2a^2 (from 2a22a^2).
    • For bb, the highest power is b3b^3 (from 6ab36ab^3).
  3. Multiply the highest powers of all factors:

    • 223a2b3=43a2b3=12a2b32^2 \cdot 3 \cdot a^2 \cdot b^3 = 4 \cdot 3 \cdot a^2 \cdot b^3 = 12a^2b^3

Thus, the least common denominator (LCD) is 12a2b3\mathbf{12a^2b^3}.


Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you add or subtract rational expressions with this LCD?
  2. What if one of the expressions has a different variable not seen in the others?
  3. How do you factor more complex denominators for LCD?
  4. How can this process be applied to more than three rational expressions?
  5. What is the process for finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of these denominators?

Tip: When finding the LCD, always take the highest power of each factor that appears in any of the denominators.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Expressions
Least Common Denominator
Factoring

Formulas

LCD = Product of the highest powers of all factors in the denominators

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10