Question 192243
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*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{2x^2 + 4}{2x}]


You can factor the numerator by taking out factors that are <i><b>common to both terms</b></i> only.


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{2(x^2 + 2)}{2x}]


Now you have a factor of 2 that is common to both numerator and denominator, so that can go away.


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \frac{x^2 + 2}{x}]


That's as far as you can go with this ugly red-headed step-child.  Put him in the back bedroom when company comes calling.


You tried to take a factor of <i><b>x</b></i> from just the first term of the numerator and to ignore the second term of the numerator.  Can't do that.  Each term (that's a chunk separated by plus and minus signs) requires absolutely fair treatment.  What you do to one, you have to do to all of them or you can't do it to the one in the first place.  Sort of like not being able to chew gum in class unless you brought enough for everyone.


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
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