A few days ago
Anonymous

help with this problem?

Some students simplify

2x^2 – 32

————

x – 4

as

2x – 8

——–

bottom cancels out..

=

2x -8

Choose the values of x to show this is not true. then simplify it correctly?

how do i do this? im completely lost..

Top 1 Answers
A few days ago
Mitch

Favorite Answer

Factor the numerator:

2(x + 4) (x – 4)

————

x – 4

The (x – 4) cancels leaving:

2(x + 4) or (2x + 8)

The error is a simple one which students make all the time,

writing a negative (-) instead of a positive (+).

Take the time to double check your steps & the final answer.

Let’s suppose x = 4.

That would make the denominator a zero,

and division by zero is undefined, right?

I think this is what your teacher is asking….

Good luck in your studies,

~ Mitch ~

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