Question

Simplify the following rational expression and state for what values they are undefined.

Answer 1

Answer: d - 2 and d cannot equal 8

Explanation: To simplify this rational expression, start by factoring both the numerator and the denominator.

So factoring the numerator in this problem, we have a

trinomial that factors as the product of two binomials.

So we are looking for factors of +16 that add to -10 which are -8 and -2.

So we have (d - 8)(d - 2) in the numerator.

The denominator doesn't factor however.

So we have
`((d - 8)(d - 2))/((d - 8))` and the d - 8's cancel leaving us with d - 2.

The values d cannot be happen when the denominator is set equal to 0.

So we have d - 8 = 0 which means d = 8.

This means d = 8 wouldn't work!

Answer 2

d-2 and d cannot = 8

Explanation:

d^2 -10d+16

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d-8

Factor the numerator

( d-8)(d-2)

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d-8

The undefined values occur when the denominator is equal to zero

d-8 = 0

d= 8

This means d cannot equal 8

Now cancel like terms in the equation ( d-8)

This yields d-2