Simplification of a Rational Expression
Method: To simplify the given rational expression, we will factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from both the numerator and the denominator.
Steps:
- Step 1: Factor the numerator.
The numerator is \(3n^6 + 2n^4\). The GCF of the terms \(3n^6\) and \(2n^4\) is \(n^4\).
Factoring out \(n^4\) gives: \(n^4(3n^2 + 2)\). - Step 2: Factor the denominator.
The denominator is \(15n^8 + 10n^6\). The GCF of the terms \(15n^8\) and \(10n^6\) is \(5n^6\).
Factoring out \(5n^6\) gives: \(5n^6(3n^2 + 2)\). - Step 3: Rewrite the expression with factored terms.
The expression becomes \(\frac{n^4(3n^2 + 2)}{5n^6(3n^2 + 2)}\). - Step 4: Cancel out common factors.
The term \((3n^2 + 2)\) is common to both the numerator and the denominator, so it can be canceled out.
The expression simplifies to \(\frac{n^4}{5n^6}\). - Step 5: Simplify the remaining terms.
Using the rule of exponents \(\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}\), we can simplify \(\frac{n^4}{n^6}\) to \(n^{4-6} = n^{-2} = \frac{1}{n^2}\).
Therefore, the simplified expression is \(\frac{1}{5n^2}\).
Final Answer: \(\frac{1}{5n^2}\)