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Ch. R - Review of Basic Concepts
Lial - College Algebra 13th Edition
Lial13th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136881063Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksLial 13th EditionCh. R - Review of Basic ConceptsProblem 38a
Chapter 1, Problem 38a

Multiply or divide, as indicated. (y3 + y2)/7 * 49/(y4 + y3)

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Start by writing the expression clearly: \(\frac{y^3 + y^2}{7} \times \frac{49}{y^4 + y^3}\).
Factor the polynomials in the numerators and denominators where possible. For example, factor \(y^3 + y^2\) as \(y^2(y + 1)\) and \(y^4 + y^3\) as \(y^3(y + 1)\).
Rewrite the expression using the factored forms: \(\frac{y^2(y + 1)}{7} \times \frac{49}{y^3(y + 1)}\).
Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together: \(\frac{y^2(y + 1) \times 49}{7 \times y^3(y + 1)}\).
Simplify the expression by canceling common factors such as \((y + 1)\) and reducing the numerical coefficients (e.g., \(\frac{49}{7}\)), and then simplify the powers of \(y\) using the laws of exponents.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Polynomial Factorization

Polynomial factorization involves breaking down polynomials into simpler expressions called factors. Recognizing common factors, such as y^3 in y^3 + y^2 or y^3 in y^4 + y^3, helps simplify expressions and is essential before performing multiplication or division.
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Multiplication and Division of Rational Expressions

Rational expressions are fractions with polynomials in numerator and denominator. Multiplying or dividing them requires multiplying numerators and denominators respectively, and simplifying by canceling common factors to reduce the expression to simplest form.
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Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

Simplifying algebraic fractions means reducing them by canceling common factors in numerator and denominator. This process makes expressions easier to work with and is crucial after multiplication or division to find the simplest equivalent form.
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