SOLUTION: Can Somebody please help me simplify this rational expression? I am at such a loss, I am not even sure how to begin to solve/ simplify. 12 – 3x^2 Note there should be a line

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Can Somebody please help me simplify this rational expression? I am at such a loss, I am not even sure how to begin to solve/ simplify. 12 – 3x^2 Note there should be a line      Log On


   

Question 102781This question is from textbook Intermediate Algebra
: Can Somebody please help me simplify this rational expression? I am at such a loss, I am not even sure how to begin to solve/ simplify.
12 – 3x^2 Note there should be a line between the upper and lower terms.
x^2 – x – 2
I an ever so Grateful to anyone who can simplify this and show me how. Thank You! This question is from textbook Intermediate Algebra

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(12 – 3x^2) / (x^2 – x – 2 )
= [3(4-x^2)] / [(x-2)(x+1)]
= [3(2-x)(2+x)] / [(x-2)(x+1)]
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Note: 2-x = -(x-2)
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= [-3(x-2)(2+x)] / [(x-2)(x+1)]
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Cancel the (x-2) factors to get:
= [-3(2+x)] / [(x+1)]
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Cheers,
Stan H>