Question

Simplify

`(x^(2) + 12x + 36 )/(x^(2) + 4x - 12 )`
​

Answer 1

x + 6

----------- for all x EXCEPT x = -6

x + 2

Explanation:

Note that the numerator, x^2 + 12 x + 36, factors into (x + 6)^2, and that

the denominator factors into (x + 6)(x - 2).

Thus, the given expression reduces to:

(x + 6)(x + 6)

-----------------------

(x + 6)(x + 2)

and can be reduced to:

x + 6

----------- This is true for all x EXCEPT x = -6. At x = -6, the expression

x + 2 is not defined.

Answer 2

(x-2)/(2x+8)

Explanation:

The first step to solve this expression is to use a² - 2a b + b² = (a - b)² to factor the expression

Factor out 2 from the expression

Write 2x as a difference

Factor out x from the expression

Factor out -2 from the expression

Factor out x + 4 from the expression

Reduce the fraction with x - 2

Finally,, distribute 2 through the parenthesis to find your answer

This means that the correct answer to your question is (x-2)/(2x+8)