SOLUTION: Hey Algebra.com, I am having some problems with a rational expression.. I am supposed to simplify the following equation: (a^3-4a^2-9a+36)/(-a^2+7a-12) I know the bottom p

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Hey Algebra.com, I am having some problems with a rational expression.. I am supposed to simplify the following equation: (a^3-4a^2-9a+36)/(-a^2+7a-12) I know the bottom p      Log On


   



Question 296447: Hey Algebra.com,
I am having some problems with a rational expression.. I am supposed to simplify the following equation:
(a^3-4a^2-9a+36)/(-a^2+7a-12)
I know the bottom part is a trinomial but I have no idea how to factor it...
Please help!
Thanks,
Anthony

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(a^3-4a^2) - (9a-36) ___ a^2 (a-4) - 9 (a-4) ___ (a+3) (a-3) (a-4)

-(a^2-7a+12) ___ - (a-4) (a-3)


cancel away......