SOLUTION: I need help simplifying this problem: x^2-2x-8 _________

SOLUTION: I need help simplifying this problem: x^2-2x-8 __________ 4-x

Question 234576: I need help simplifying this problem:
x^2-2x-8
__________
4-x
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
To reduce any fraction you have to have common factors to cancel. To have common factors, you have to have the numerator and denominator factored. So this is where we will start.

The numerator is a trinomial which will factor. The denominator will not factor unless we factor out a 1:

At first glance it may not seem that we have any common factors to cancel. However, x-4 and 4-x are negatives of each other. So it we factor out a -1 from either the numerator or the denominator then we will have factors to cancel:

Now we can cancel the (x-4)'s:

leaving:

which simplifies to

So keep an eye out for factors that are negatives of each other. Factoring out a -1 from one of them will make them match.
RELATED QUESTIONS
I need help simplifying this exression.... (answered by MathLover1)

I need help simplifying this rational expression: x+4(over)2x^2 +... (answered by checkley77)

I am having a problem simplifying this problem 2x+3/x-4-x-5/x+2 please help... (answered by mananth)

I need help simplifying this equation. Thank you. (x-2)(x^2 + 2x -... (answered by rfer)

I need help simplifying this equation... (answered by josmiceli)

I need help simplifying this equation y= (x-8)/((cuberootx) -2) Thank you... (answered by Alan3354)

I am in need of some help simplifying this 8x^2=4(4x^2-x)-3x= (answered by Alan3354)

I NEED HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM PLEASE!... (answered by BurningFlame_marc)

I am having problem with this problem complex simplifying fraction. 2x-4/xy^2/3x-6y/x^3y (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)