SOLUTION: Evaluating a ratioal expression, can you help me with this, -2x -8 X2+2x-8

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Question 207961: Evaluating a ratioal expression, can you help me with this,
-2x -8
X2+2x-8

Answer by rapaljer(4551) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28-2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29+

Factor the numerator and denominator:
%28-2%28x%2B4%29%29%2F%28%28x%2B4%29%28x-2%29%29+

Divide out the factor of x+4 in the numerator and denominator:
-2%2F%28x-2%29+

If you have trouble with fractions, please see my own website by clicking on my tutor name "Rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. Look near the top of my homepage for "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time". Choose "Basic Algebra", and look in Chapter 3 for Section 3.1 on reducing fractions. I know your book probably calls them "rational expressions", but this really just means "fractions." Why do we have to make this sound so formal and difficult?? My explanations are written for students who have trouble with math to understand. A lot of these problems are also solved in my "MATH IN LIVING COLOR" pages--IN COLOR of course! I hope this is helpful to you!

R^2

Dr. Robert J. Rapalje
Seminole Community College
Altamonte Springs Campus