SOLUTION: Perform the indicated operation. 6x - 18/2x^2 - 5x - 3 * 4x^2 + 4x +1/ 6x + 3 This is how I started: I took the 6x - 18 and changed it to 6x - 3. So the 6x - 3 and t

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Perform the indicated operation. 6x - 18/2x^2 - 5x - 3 * 4x^2 + 4x +1/ 6x + 3 This is how I started: I took the 6x - 18 and changed it to 6x - 3. So the 6x - 3 and t      Log On

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Question 7768: Perform the indicated operation.

6x - 18/2x^2 - 5x - 3 * 4x^2 + 4x +1/ 6x + 3

This is how I started:

I took the 6x - 18 and changed it to 6x - 3. So the 6x - 3 and the 6x + 3 should cancel each other out right?

Then I'm stuck after that because I can't figure out what to do with the other two polynomials.I have 2x^2 - 5x - 3. I think you have to find the sum of two numbers that equal 5 and -3, but I have no clue.

Maybe you can't reduce this any further than :

4x^2 + 4x +1/2x^2 - 5x -3

so that would make it prime. Could that be the answer? Please HELP! Thanks in advance to all who answer.
Answer by Earlsdon(5032) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28%286x+-+18%29%2F%282x%5E2+-+5x+-+3%29%29%2A%28%284x%5E2+%2B+4x+%2B+1%29%2F%286x+%2B+3%29%29 Factor the numerators and the denominators:
%286%28x+-+3%29%2F%282x%2B1%29%28x-3%29%29%2A%28%28%282x%2B1%29%282x%2B1%29%29%2F3%282x%2B1%29%29 Now cancel like factors in the numerators and the denominators. Cancel (x-3) once and (2x+1) two times.
This leaves you with: 6%2F3+=+2