Questions on Algebra: Polynomials, rational expressions and equations answered by real tutors!

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Question 152265: How do you simplify an rational expression like: 6-y/y^2-2y-24, whats the answer?: How do you simplify an rational expression like: 6-y/y^2-2y-24, whats the answer?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(9376) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Remember, the key to simplifying rational expressions or fractions is to factor


(6-y)/(y^2-2y-24) Start with the given expression.


(-(y-6))/(y^2-2y-24) Factor 6-y to get -(y-6).


(-(y-6))/((y+4)*(y-6)) Factor y^2-2y-24 to get (y+4)*(y-6).


(-highlight((y-6)))/((y+4)highlight((y-6))) Highlight the common terms.


(-cross((y-6)))/((y+4)cross((y-6))) Cancel out the common terms.


-(1)/(y+4) Simplify.


So (6-y)/(y^2-2y-24) simplifies to -(1)/(y+4).


In other words, (6-y)/(y^2-2y-24)=-(1)/(y+4) where y<>-4 or y<>6