Question 310389
{{{(a^2+4a-12)/(a^2+2a-8)}}}


First you have to factor the numerator and the denominator, like this:


{{{(a + 6)(a - 2)/(a + 4)(a -2)}}}



Now look at this:  


{{{(a + 6)(highlight(a-2))/(a + 4)(highlight(a-2)))}}}


See how those two highlighted terms can cancel each other out?  Then you are left with your answer, which is:


{{{(a + 6)/(a + 4)}}}


I hope this is helpful but for more examples of this type of problem, check out my YouTube videos.  Just do a search on YouTube for PRMathChicago.  When you find my name, there are a few videos there that show and explain this type of work in more detail. 


Good luck! :-)