Question

Please help simplify the expression and help explain the steps.
x^2-9x+14/x^4-2x^3 It's a rational expression.

Answer 1

it probably means "factor and cancel"

Answer 2

Yeah, I just don't understand how to factor it out.

Answer 3

even i can factor the denominator, it is
\[x^4-3x^3=x^3(x-2)\]

Answer 4

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra2/rational-expressions-equations-and-functions/simplify-rational-expressions/v/simplifying-rational-expressions-introduction

here's a tutorial...

Answer 5

i suck at factoring, but my guess is the numerator has a factor of \(x-2\) as well, otherwise there is nothing to do

Answer 6

since that is a good clue, it must be true that \[x^2-9x+14=(x-2)(\text{something})\]

Answer 7

I get how to factor the x^2 but, it's the -9x+14 and x^4-2x3 that's confusing

Answer 8

i factored \(x^4-3x^3\) for you above
both terms have a common factor of \(x^3\)

Answer 9

Okay, I see that.

Answer 10

So how about he top?

Answer 11

*the

Answer 12

factor \[x^2-9x+14\] as \[(x-2)(\text{someting})\] your job is to find the "something" which should not be too hard

Answer 13

okay, thanks

Answer 14

but, how'd you get the 2?