Question

simplify the following expression {x/x-4 + x+4} divided by 3 / 2x^2-32

Answer 1

Verify that the denominator is x-4+x+4 or is it (x+4)(x-4) ??

Answer 2

I am referring to the first fraction.

Answer 3

k

Answer 4

x 3
----------- div -------------
x - 4 + x - 4 2x^2 - 32 Is that the problem?

Answer 5

yea

Answer 6

x 3
----------- div ------------- becomes
2x 2(x^2 - 16)

x 3
----------- div -------------
2x 2(x+4)(x-4) Now invert the divisor then multiply.

Answer 7

x 2(x+4)(x-4) (x+4)(x-4)
--------- X ------------ = ----------
2x 3 3

The first fraction the x/x becomes 1 and the 2 cancels the 2 in the second fraction.
Now you can see why I asked about the denominator of the first fraction if it had been
(x+4)(x-4) it too would of canceled leaving an answer of 1/3