Here is an example of a general rule when one is dealing with large numbers that are raised to the nth power:
12^2 is the same thing as 3^2 times 4^2 or 6^2 times 2^2. In general, a large number raised to a power is equal to the factors of that number raised to the same power. I hope you see how useful this can be on this question.
The easiest thing to do, IMHO, is break 96 into its factors and sqaure them. Start with 8, since 8 is the largest base number in the numerator:
96^2 = 12^2 times 8^2, thus, the 8's cancel each other out and you're left with (3^3 times 2^2)/12^2. Continue to break 12 down into it's factors and square them:
12^2 = 4^2 times 3^2, thus, all but one three is cancelled.
You now have 3(2^4)/4^2...
4^2 = 2^2 times 2^2, or 2^4
Thus, the two's cancel out and you're left with 3 as your answer.
I hope this helps. I apologize in advance if this post is difficult to follow.
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