Question

I don't want the answer given to me, but I'd like help finding it because math makes no sense to me at all..

Answer 1

can you factor the top and bottom ?

Answer 2

I learned how with smaller equations, but the longer ones, I don't understand what to do.

Answer 3

to factor x^2 -x -20

you do the following:
1) look at the last number: -20
the minus means the two "roots" will have different signs
the minus sign on -x , short for -1 x, means the larger root is negative.
2) list all pairs of numbers that multiply to give you 20
1,20
2,10
4,5
using rule 1) make the larger number - and the smaller number +
1-20= -19
2-10= -8
4-5= -1

3) pick out the pair that matches -1 x (the middle term of x^2-x-20)
the pair you want is 4 and -5

4) the factors are (x+4)(x-5)

Answer 4

to factor x^2+8x+16

1) the + sign on +16 means both roots are the same sign
the + sign on +8x means the larger root is +. because the roots have the same sign, the smaller root is also +

2) list the pairs of numbers that multiply to give you 16
1,16
2,8
4,4

3) using the rule in (1), both roots are +
1+16= 17
2+8= 10
4+4= 8

4) pick the pair that gives +8 to match +8x
the pair you want is 4 and 4

5) the factors is (x+4)(x+4)

Answer 5

you get
\[ \frac{(x+4)(x-5)}{(x+4)(x+4)} = \frac{(x-5)}{(x+4)} \text{ x≠-4 }\]