SOLUTION: How do you simplify this fraction? 2x^2 - 32 __________ x - 4

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Question 123036: How do you simplify this fraction?
2x^2 - 32
__________
x - 4

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+%282x%5E2+-32%29%2F%28x-4%29+%29+
The first and most important step in reducing fractions is FACTORING! If you need additional help, with FACTORING or FRACTIONS, please see my own website by clicking on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. Take the first link on my homepage, which is "Basic and Intermediate Algebra: One Step at a Time." Look for Basic Algebra. To get help with FACTORING look in Chapter 2 for various topics. To get help with FRACTIONS, see Chapter 3. In particular, this topic of reducing fractions is Section 3.01. On these pages, you will find complete, user-friendly explanations, examples, exercises, and answers.

Now, to solve YOUR problem, factor the numerator, by first taking out a common factor of 2.
+%282%28x%5E2+-16%29%29%2F%28x-4%29+%29+

Next, you have a difference of two squares, which factors:
+%282%28x-4%29%28x%2B4%29%29%2F%28x-4%29+%29+

Finally, divide out the x-4 factors:
+2%28x%2B4%29+

R^2