Final answer:
Dividing the given expression by 12x⁴ results in simplifying each term individually, with the first term simplifying to 3 and the second to x⁴. The final simplified expression is 3 + x⁴.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the expression 36x⁴ + 12x⁸ is divided by 12x⁴, we can divide each term separately to simplify the expression. Here's how it's done step-by-step:
- Divide the first term 36x⁴ by 12x⁴. The coefficient 36 divided by 12 is 3, and since the variables are the same with equal exponents, they divide out to 1. So, this term simplifies to 3.
- Next, divide the second term 12x⁸ by 12x⁴. The coefficient 12 divided by 12 is 1, and subtracting the exponents (as per the division rule of exponents) gives us x⁸ - x⁴ = x⁴. So, this term simplifies to x⁴.
- Write out the simplified expression as 3 + x⁴.
Therefore, when 36x⁴ + 12x⁸ is divided by 12x⁴, the result is 3 + x⁴ (option C).