Question

simplify rational expression. if can't be explain why. show work

x^3-8
_______
x^2-4

Answer 1

(x-2)(x^2 +2x+4)/
(x-2)(x+2)

Answer 2

then the x-2 cancels out

Answer 3

could you help with x^2+4 / x^2-4 ?? same thing.

Answer 4

no the new expression we have is:
x^2+2x+4/
x+2

Answer 5

and that is as far as it simplifies

Answer 6

why? ... and when in real life are these even going to come into play?

Answer 7

ha maybe youll see.
because x-2/x-2=1

Answer 8

whenever something is multiplying something , and is in the numerator and denomenator,
they cancel each other out,
always factor first

Answer 9

i am slowly getting it ;) thanks.. but i still have no idea when i would use this is real life and how i can 'reflect' to my teacher how i would use it?

Answer 10

what do you mean

Answer 11

he wants me to reflect on when this would apply to using this problem and problems like it in the 'real world' and how it can help

Answer 12

wow i dunno- try graphing it on wolfram alpha then see what the shape reminds u of

Answer 13

thanks

Answer 14

k