SOLUTION: We are simplifing rational expressions. Can you please help me with this problem? 3x^2-12x/x^3-64

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Question 371698: We are simplifing rational expressions. Can you please help me with this problem?

3x^2-12x/x^3-64

Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%283x%5E2-12x%29%2F%28x%5E3-64%29
To simplify (reduce) fractions, you cancel factors that are common to the numerator and denominator. To cancel factors we need to know what the factors are. So we start by factoring. In the numerator we'll factor out the Greatest Common Factor and in the denominator we will use the difference of cubes pattern:
%283x%2A%28x-4%29%29%2F%28%28x-4%29%28x%5E2+%2B+4x+%2B+16%29%29
We can see that there is a common factor to cancel:
%283x%2Across%28%28x-4%29%29%29%2F%28cross%28%28x-4%29%29%28x%5E2+%2B+4x+%2B+16%29%29
leaving:
%283x%29%2F%28x%5E2+%2B+4x+%2B+16%29
And we're done!