when I have (2x^(3)-18x)-(2x^(3)) / (x^(2)-9)
am I suppose to be left with -18x/(x^(2)-9) or is it just 18x?
Please help and thanks!
If the numerator is [ 2x^(3)-18x)-(2x^(3))] = -18x, then your first answer is correct. If only 2x^3 is in the numerator, then neither is correct
To simplify the expression (2x^3 - 18x) - (2x^3) / (x^2 - 9), we can follow these steps:
Step 1: Simplify the numerator of the fraction by subtracting the like terms within the parentheses.
In the numerator, 2x^3 - 18x - 2x^3 = -18x.
Step 2: Simplify the denominator by factoring it as a difference of squares.
The denominator, x^2 - 9, can be factored as (x+3)(x-3).
Step 3: Cancel out any common factors between the numerator and denominator.
Since there are no common factors, we can't cancel anything out.
Step 4: Combine the simplified numerator and denominator to form the final expression.
The simplified expression is -18x / (x+3)(x-3).
Therefore, the simplified expression is indeed -18x / (x^2 - 9) and not just 18x.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.