SOLUTION: Polynomials and Rational Expressions 4X^2 - 16 / 2 - x = ? What is the solution to the above equation? (here is the web site, http://www.starsamplequestions.org/starRTQ/res

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Polynomials and Rational Expressions 4X^2 - 16 / 2 - x = ? What is the solution to the above equation? (here is the web site, http://www.starsamplequestions.org/starRTQ/res      Log On


   

Question 330779: Polynomials and Rational Expressions
4X^2 - 16 / 2 - x = ?
What is the solution to the above equation?
(here is the web site, http://www.starsamplequestions.org/starRTQ/results.jsp?param=CST10041&count=1# )
Answer by texttutoring(324) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You need to factor the top by bringing the 4 outside the brackets:

4(x^2 - 4)

Now x^2-4 is a difference of squares, so factor it as well:

4(x^2 - 4)
=4(x+2)(x-2)

On the bottom, rearrange it so x is first:
(2-x) = -(x-2)

Now you should have this overall, combining top and bottom:

4(x+2)(x-2)/-(x-2)

Cancel out the (x-2) terms, leaving you with:

-4(x+2)