Question

Algebra 1 Assistance?
i have 2 problems
find the quotient of -36x^3 - 6x^2 + 12x / -6x
and
21x^2y^6 + 6xy^3 -30xy / 3xy
im not entirely sure how to do either, the lesson didnt explain very well and neither of my parents know either, so if you could show me (step by step) how to do this or just give me the answer directly it would be very appreciated

Answer 1

First, let's fix the notation. You do not mean what you have written. I am going to guess you mean this: (-36x^3 - 6x^2 + 12x) / (-6x)

Those parentheses make a HUGE difference.

Let's just play with the Numerator - maybe fator it a bit.

(-36x^3 - 6x^2 + 12x)

I see there is a factor of 6 in each term. While we're at it, we have two neagative and one positive. We may as well factor a common "-6", instead of "+6".

(-6)*(6x^3 + x^2 - 2x)

I see a common factor of 'x' in each term. Let's factor that out, too.

(-6)*(x)*(6x^2 + x - 2)

Okay, let's put it back together. Remember, we've only been looking at the Numerator. We need to get the Denominator back.
\[\frac{(-6)*(x)*(6x^2 + x - 2)}{-6}\] Can you see how to proceed from here?

Answer 2

Whoops! There should be another 'x' in that denominator. Not sure where it went.