The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of two or more integers.

The distributive property for division helps in solving expressions like \({b + c \over a}\). It specifies that the result of dividing a fraction with multiple terms in the numerator and one term in the denominator can be obtained by dividing each term individually and then totaling the results: \({b + c \over a} = {b \over a} + {c \over a}\). For example, \({a^3 + 6a^2 \over a^2} = {a^3 \over a^2} + {6a^2 \over a^2} = a + 6\).

The factors of a number are all positive integers that divide evenly into the number. The factors of 72 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 72.

To divide terms with exponents, the base of both exponents must be the same. In this case they are so divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents:

\( \frac{6y^5}{2y^4} \)
\( \frac{6}{2} \) y^{(5 - 4)}
3y

To simplify a radical, factor out the perfect squares:

\( \sqrt{20} \)
\( \sqrt{4 \times 5} \)
\( \sqrt{2^2 \times 5} \)
2\( \sqrt{5} \)