Simplifying Rational Expressions

developerzb said:
Example: Simplify Rational Expression in Simplest Form.

2x2 - 7x - 4
x2 - 5x + 4
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What method have you been taught to such problems? Factorization? Long division? synthetic division?
 
developerzb said:
How would i begin? is there a pattern i could use for simplifying complex fractions?
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Use the regular method for simplifying fractions, like you learned for numerical fractions and like they showed you in class and in your book (and told you here) for algebraic fractions: factor, and cancel common factors (if any).

So, what factorization did you get for the two quadratics? ;)
 
developerzb said:
I can use either method, factorization i struggle with along with simplifying. I have been taught all these methods.
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(2x^2 - 7x - 4) / (x^2 - 5x + 4)

What do you get when you factorize (2x^2 - 7x - 4)?

What do you get when you factorize (x^2 - 5x + 4)?
 
stapel said:
Use the regular method for simplifying fractions, like you learned for numerical fractions and like they showed you in class and in your book (and told you here) for algebraic fractions: factor, and cancel common factors (if any).

So, what factorization did you get for the two quadratics? ;)
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Denis, why are you so inpatient? It has only been a week. Just give the student some time, it's not like the summer class is moving very quickly.
 
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