Question

I've been trying to simplify this polynomial stuff but I keep getting the wrong answer :( please help me, I will give you a shiny medal!

(x-1)(x^2-4)+2(x-1)(x+2)=(x-1) p, then p =?
I keep getting -12x+9, but that's not a possibility :( Please give me detailed instructions, thank you, I would like to learn this :)

Answer 1

\[(x-1)(x^2-4)+2(x-1)(x+2)=(x-1) p, then p =?\]

Answer 2

If I read this correctly, then there is a (x-1) factor in every term.
So if you divide both sides by (x-1), they should cancel out and you just have to add the remaining terms.

I see no sensible way to get (-12x+9), so that isn't the answer.

Answer 3

I just multiplied them together, I think that was the wrong idea, oops

Answer 4

\[\frac{ (x-1)(x^2-4)+2(x-1)(x+2)=(x-1) }{ x-1 }\]

Answer 5

so I cancel x-1 out? so i get x^2-4 + 2(x+2) = ??

Answer 6

\[ x^2-4 + 2(x+2) = which becomes 2x+5 \]

Answer 7

I mean 2x-4 (x^2-4)

Answer 8

so its x^2+2x = p??

Answer 9

x(x+2)

Answer 10

Looks right.

Either should be fine.

Answer 11

That's what I got. Is it an option?

Answer 12

yes it is :DD

Answer 13

thank you so much for helping, it means a lot!