SOLUTION: Hi can you help me with this problem? The problem is a^2-2a / 4-2a.I need to simplify this rational expression. I think the answer is a/2 (a over 2). Can you show me the steps plea

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Hi can you help me with this problem? The problem is a^2-2a / 4-2a.I need to simplify this rational expression. I think the answer is a/2 (a over 2). Can you show me the steps plea      Log On


   

Question 125926: Hi can you help me with this problem? The problem is a^2-2a / 4-2a.I need to simplify this rational expression. I think the answer is a/2 (a over 2). Can you show me the steps please. I want to know if I am doing it right.This question is not in my text book,it is a handout.
Thanks so much!
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28a%5E2-2a%29+%2F%284-2a%29
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Factor out a in the numerator and 2 in the denominator
%28a%28a+-+2%29%29%2F%282%282+-+a%29%29
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In the denominator, change the sign outside the brackets to change the signs inside the brackets
%28a%28a+-+2%29%29%2F%28-2%28-2+%2B+a%29%29 = %28a%28a+-+2%29%29%2F%28-2%28a+-+2%29%29;
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Now we can cancel out the (a-2)'s
a%2F%28-2%29 = -a%2F2: note that it is negative
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