SOLUTION: When simpliflying the rational expression (x+8)/(x+2), why is improper to cancel out the x's?

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Question 581225: When simpliflying the rational expression (x+8)/(x+2), why is improper to cancel out the x's?
Answer by Gogonati(855) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You can cancel out the x-s only when they are factors. In our case the denominator is x+2 and the nominator x+8, are different factors.
Suppose that x=2 then:
%28x%2B8%29%2F%28x%2B2%29=%282%2B8%29%2F%282%2B2%29=10%2F4 (right)
+%28x%2B8%29%2F%28x%2B2%29=%282%2B8%29%2F%282%2B2%29=8%2F2=4 (wrong)