SOLUTION: I'm having some trouble with multiplying and dividing rational expressions. What would the answer to this be? {{{(x^2+2x-8)/(x^2-16)*(x^2-8x+16)/(x^2+3x-10)}}}

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I'm having some trouble with multiplying and dividing rational expressions. What would the answer to this be? {{{(x^2+2x-8)/(x^2-16)*(x^2-8x+16)/(x^2+3x-10)}}}      Log On


   

Question 365787: I'm having some trouble with multiplying and dividing rational expressions. What would the answer to this be? %28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2-16%29%2A%28x%5E2-8x%2B16%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B3x-10%29
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2-16%29%29%28%28x%5E2-8x%2B16%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B3x-10%29%29 Start with the given expression.


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


Factor x%5E2-16 to get %28x-4%29%2A%28x%2B4%29.


Factor x%5E2-8x%2B16 to get %28x-4%29%28x-4%29.


Factor x%5E2%2B3x-10 to get %28x%2B5%29%2A%28x-2%29.


Combine the fractions.


Highlight the common terms.


Cancel out the common terms.


%28x-4%29%2F%28x%2B5%29 Simplify.


So %28%28x%5E2%2B2x-8%29%2F%28x%5E2-16%29%29%28%28x%5E2-8x%2B16%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B3x-10%29%29 simplifies to %28x-4%29%2F%28x%2B5%29.


In other words,


If you need more help, email me at jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com

Also, feel free to check out my tutoring website

Jim