SOLUTION: Please help me solve the following problem:
Simplify the expression (x^2 - 9)/(x^2 + 3x)
My attempt to this problem was to cancel out the x^2 because they divided each other,
Algebra.Com
Question 153544: Please help me solve the following problem:
Simplify the expression (x^2 - 9)/(x^2 + 3x)
My attempt to this problem was to cancel out the x^2 because they divided each other, and then i simplified -9/3x to -3x. But when i check to see if my work is correct by substituting x for 2, the answers did not match.
Found 2 solutions by Fombitz, stanbon:
Answer by Fombitz(32388) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Remember the expression in the parentheses is a unique expression.
You can only divide or cancel out terms, inside parentheses, if they match exactly.
You can factor the top term,
and also the bottom one,
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Simplify the expression (x^2 - 9)/(x^2 + 3x)
My attempt to this problem was to cancel out the x^2 because they divided each other, and then i simplified -9/3x to -3x. But when i check to see if my work is correct by substituting x for 2, the answers did not match.
---------------
You may only cancel "factors" that are common to the numerator and to the
denominator.
x^2 is a "term" in the numerator and a "term" in the denominator and
may not be cancelled.
Example (2 + 3)/(2 + 5)
If you cancelled the "2" you would get 3/5; but the answer should be 5/7.
Don't cancel terms.
------------------------
Simplify the expression (x^2 - 9)/(x^2 + 3x)
Factor where you can to get:
[(x-3)(x+3)] / [x(x + 3)]
Notice that the (x+3) is a factor of the numberator and of the denominator
so you may cancel it to get:
= (x-3)/(x)
Notice that you cannot cancel the "x" because it is a "term" and not a factor in the numerator.
===============
Cheers,
Stan H.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Could you please help me to solve this:
Simplify the expression:
(x^2+3x+2)/(x+2)... (answered by sachi)
Could you please help me with this problem
Simplify expression
e to the 3x power... (answered by longjonsilver)
Please help me solve this problem. The problem says to find the product and... (answered by stanbon)
can you explain to me how to do this problem please.
simplify the rational expression.
(answered by Earlsdon)
Simplify and write the result using positive exponents only
(x^2)^3x
________... (answered by Tatiana_Stebko)
I would like your opinion on the following problem:
A password is composed of 4... (answered by Theo)
This is a Trigonometric Identity Problem.
Simplify the expression:... (answered by Edwin McCravy)
Will someone please help me solve this problem? The problem states to multiply or divide... (answered by MathLover1)
Simplify the expression: 3x/x-2 - 8/x^2-4 Please show me how to solve this... (answered by unlockmath)