177k views
4 votes
Simplify the rational expression 3x+12/x^2-5x+4

User Kukosk
by
9.0k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

3(x + 4)

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

(x - 4)(x - 1)

Explanation:

In problems of this type, factoring is the first step. Once you have the factors, your next step is to reduce wherever possible.

3x + 12 3(x + 4)

----------------- = -----------------

x^2 - 5x + 4 (x - 4)(x - 1)

Unfortunately, none of these factors are cancellable. This factored form is as far as we can go.

User Amit Andharia
by
8.0k points