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Find the LCM of the expressions 2a^2 + 5a + 2 and 2a^2 - 3a - 2.

a) (2a + 1)(a + 2)
b) (a - 2)(2a + 1)
c) (a + 2)(2a - 1)
d) (2a - 1)(a + 2)

User Rooni
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The LCM of the expressions 2a^2 + 5a + 2 and 2a^2 - 3a - 2 is d) (2a - 1)(a + 2).

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of the expressions 2a^2 + 5a + 2 and 2a^2 - 3a - 2, we need to factorize both expressions.

The factored form of the first expression is (2a + 1)(a + 2). The factored form of the second expression is (2a - 1)(a + 2).

The LCM is the product of the highest powers of each unique factor. In this case, the highest power of (2a + 1) is 1, the highest power of (2a - 1) is 1, and the highest power of (a + 2) is 1. Therefore, the LCM is (2a + 1)(2a - 1)(a + 2), which corresponds to option d) (2a - 1)(a + 2).

User Jermell
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