Short Answer
To simplify a complex fraction, first identify the Least Common Denominator (LCD), which for denominators x and y is xy. Multiply each term in the fraction by the LCD to eliminate complexity, and then simplify the resulting expression to get -2(y-2)(3xy)/(x^2 + 5xy).
Step 1: Identify the LCD
To simplify the complex fraction, we first need to determine the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of the fractions involved. In this case, the individual denominators are x and y. The LCD for these terms is xy, as it incorporates both variables.
Step 2: Multiply by the LCD
Next, we multiply every term in both the numerator and the denominator by the LCD (xy). This step is crucial because it will help eliminate the complex formatting of the fraction. The expression will look like this after multiplication:
- -2 * (y-2)/x * (3/y) * xy/(x+5y)
Doing this allows us to simplify the expression further.
Step 3: Simplify the Expression
Finally, once the multiplication is complete, we can simplify the expression. After all calculations are done, you arrive at the simplified equivalent fraction:
- -2(y-2)(3xy)/(x^2 + 5xy)
This is now the simplified form of the original complex fraction.