College Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32178-228-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-228-1

Chapter P - Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra - Exercise Set P.6 - Page 86: 8

Answer

$\frac{4}{x - 2}$, $x\ne2$

Work Step by Step

We must factor the top and bottom separately. First, we factor the top by pulling out a 4. Next, we factor the bottom as $(x - 2)(x - 2)$. The following results: $\frac{4(x-2)}{(x-2)(x-2)}$ Then, we are allowed to cancel out the $x - 2$ factors. This leads us to an answer of $\frac{4}{x - 2}$. Note that, since x = 2 is still a domain restriction (since it makes the denominator 0), we still must declare that $x\ne2$.
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