SOLUTION: when dividing 12x*2-7x+18/ -4x does it make a difference in the way you work the problem because it has a negative 4? I understand how to divide it without the number being a negat

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: when dividing 12x*2-7x+18/ -4x does it make a difference in the way you work the problem because it has a negative 4? I understand how to divide it without the number being a negat      Log On


   

Question 73615: when dividing 12x*2-7x+18/ -4x does it make a difference in the way you work the problem because it has a negative 4? I understand how to divide it without the number being a negative. Thanks
Answer by ptaylor(2198) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

NO. THE FACT THAT THE DENOMINATOR IS NEGATIVE DOES NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE AT ALL IN THE WAY YOU WORK THE PROBLEM. IN FACT, IF YOU WANT TO GET RID OF THE NEGATIVE SIGN IN THE DENOMINATOR, SIMPLY MULTIPLY THE NUMERATOR AND DENOMINATOR BY -1. IF WE DO THAT, THEN THE PROBLEM WOULD LOOK LIKE THIS:
(-12x^2+7x-18)/4x----------------The answer will be the same

Hope this helps--------ptaylor