SOLUTION: Reduce each expression to lowest terms. 102. -2x – 8 x2 + 2x – 8

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Reduce each expression to lowest terms. 102. -2x – 8 x2 + 2x – 8       Log On


   

Question 168685: Reduce each expression to lowest terms.

102. -2x – 8
x2 + 2x – 8

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 the GCF -2 from -2x-8 to get -2%28x%2B4%29.


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


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


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


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


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


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