SOLUTION: write each expression in lowest terms -2x-8/z^2+2x-8 my answer is -2x-8 not sure if this is correct

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: write each expression in lowest terms -2x-8/z^2+2x-8 my answer is -2x-8 not sure if this is correct      Log On


   

Question 146057: write each expression in lowest terms
-2x-8/z^2+2x-8
my answer is -2x-8 not sure if this is correct
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, nerdybill:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28-2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29 Start with the given expression.


%28-2%28x%2B4%29%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29 Factor -2x-8 to get -2%28x%2B4%29.


%28-2%28x%2B4%29%29%2F%28%28x%2B4%29%2A%28x-2%29%29 Factor x%5E2%2B2x-8 to get %28x%2B4%29%2A%28x-2%29.


%28%28-2%29highlight%28%28x%2B4%29%29%29%2F%28highlight%28%28x%2B4%29%29%28x-2%29%29 Highlight the common terms.


%28%28-2%29cross%28%28x%2B4%29%29%29%2F%28cross%28%28x%2B4%29%29%28x-2%29%29 Cancel out the common terms.


%28-2%29%2F%28x-2%29 Simplify.


So %28-2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29 simplifies to %28-2%29%2F%28x-2%29.


In other words, %28-2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29=%28-2%29%2F%28x-2%29 where x%3C%3E-4 or x%3C%3E2

Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
if you started with:
(-2x-8)/(x^2+2x-8)
start by factoring both numerator and denominator:
-2(x+4)/[(x+4)(x-2)]
now cancel terms:
-2/(x-2)
now, you could move the negative sign to the denominator leaving:
2/(2-x)