How does 35xy over 56x equal 5y over 8?

Answer 1

35xy/56x

let's split this into integers and variables to make it easier for you.

35/56

you factor out 7 from both numerator and denominator

7*5/7*8

you have the right to cancel any like factors both in the numerator and in the denominator ( factor mean something times something-not + or - )

so, the 7 is canceled; top and bottom

5/8

Now, same with variables

xy/x

x canceled; top and bottom

y

Now, that is how

35xy/56x

can be

5y/8