SOLUTION: hi,I would like help with this equation, {{{a^2+4a-12}}}/{{{a^2+2a-8}}}

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: hi,I would like help with this equation, {{{a^2+4a-12}}}/{{{a^2+2a-8}}}      Log On


   

Question 310389: hi,I would like help with this equation, a%5E2%2B4a-12/a%5E2%2B2a-8
Answer by PRMath(133) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28a%5E2%2B4a-12%29%2F%28a%5E2%2B2a-8%29

First you have to factor the numerator and the denominator, like this:

%28a+%2B+6%29%28a+-+2%29%2F%28a+%2B+4%29%28a+-2%29


Now look at this:

%28a+%2B+6%29%28highlight%28a-2%29%29%2F%28a+%2B+4%29%28highlight%28a-2%29%29%29

See how those two highlighted terms can cancel each other out? Then you are left with your answer, which is:

%28a+%2B+6%29%2F%28a+%2B+4%29

I hope this is helpful but for more examples of this type of problem, check out my YouTube videos. Just do a search on YouTube for PRMathChicago. When you find my name, there are a few videos there that show and explain this type of work in more detail.

Good luck! :-)