using the cancellation technique in calculus(limits) does:

(2x^2 - x -3) / x + 1 simplify to:

2x^2 - 2 ?

Question

using the cancellation technique in calculus(limits) does:

(2x^2 - x -3) / x + 1 simplify to:

2x^2 - 2 ?

anonymous · Answer

Divide everything by the highest power variable in the demominator and proceed with the limit.

i.e Divide everything by x in the entire equation

anonymous · Answer

btw, what is x approaching?

anonymous · Answer

when dividing by x, you would need multiply by the reciprocal (1/x) which results in (2x^2 - x -3) / x^2 + x. that all cancels to 2-3. 

x is approaching -1

dumbcow · Answer

he meant multiply both top/bottom by 1/x

easier way is to factor the numerator to --> (2x-3)(x+1)
what cancels? then evaluate at -1

anonymous · Answer

the (x+1) 's cancel and you are left with 2(-1) -3 = -5

correct?

dumbcow · Answer

sorry...yes thats correct

anonymous · Answer

thanks for the help man!! i really appreciate it

dumbcow · Answer

no problem