218k views
25 votes
I dont understand this equation

I dont understand this equation-example-1
User Sergiuz
by
4.8k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Let's first look only at the numerator: 5x^2 - 5

Consider this question: What do both terms have in common?

The answer is 5, both terms contain a 5, so we can factor it out.

5(x^2 - 1)

Now let's look at the denominator, considering the same question: 3x^2 + 3x

This time, both terms contain a 3 and an x.

3x(x^2 + 1)

Now we are here: [ 5(x^2 - 1) ] / [ 3x(x + 1) ]

In the numerator, the binomial factors out into (x + 1)(x - 1). There is also an (x + 1) in the denominator, so those to binomials cancel out. That leaves us with the following expression:

5(x - 1) / 3x

Correct Answer: C

Hope this helps!

User Jgreep
by
5.5k points