document.write( "Question 7746: Some students simplify, 2x^2-32/x-4 as 2x-8 and then it says choose values of x to show this is not true. Then simplify it correctly.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I know this is probably so simple, but I'm stuck, help? :/ \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #4266 by Earlsdon(6294) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First, you ought to use parentheses around the numerator and denominator to make it absolutely clear.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "(2x^2 - 32)/(x-4) If you were to perform the indicated division either by long division or by synthetic division, you would get a result of: 2x + 8.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "I find it easier to factor the numerator and cancel like factors in the numerator and denominator.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " $\"%282x%5E2+-+32%29%2F%28x+-+4%29+=+2%28x+%2B+4%29%28x+-+4%29%2F%28x+-+4%29\"$ Cancel the (x-4)'s\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " $\"%282x%5E2+-+32%29%2F%28x+-+4%29+=+2%28x+%2B+4%29\"$ Simplify.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " $\"%282x%5E2+-+32%29%2F%28x+-+4%29+=+2x+%2B+8\"$ \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "You can perform the suggested test on the erroneous answer (2x - 8) and on the correct solution (2x + 8) by substituting a convenient value for x in both cases. \n" ); document.write( "

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