How would I solve this:

((x^(3)-x^(2)-4x+8))/(x-1)

would the answer be ((x^(2)-4))(x+2)

x-1 does not divide into your numerator, so

there is no simplification.

if you want to solve the equation

((x^(3)-x^(2)-4x+8))/(x-1) = 0 then

http://www.1728.com/cubic.htm?a=1&b=-1&c=-4&d=8

Tiana, please do not attach a new problem to end of a series of replies.

Click on "post a new problem" at the top to start your problem

Your question really puzzles me.
I hope your text does not introduce algebra or variables in this way.
There is no need for any variables or equation for this problem.

Each of the three fisherman got 8 fish,
so there were 3x8 or 24 fish.
End of problem!

To solve the expression ((x^(3)-x^(2)-4x+8))/(x-1), we can use long division. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Write the dividend (x^(3)-x^(2)-4x+8) as a polynomial in descending order of powers of x. In this case, it's already in descending order.

2. Divide the first term of the dividend (x^(3)) by the divisor (x-1). The result is x^2 (since x^(3) / (x-1) = x^(2)).

3. Multiply the divisor (x-1) by the term we obtained in the previous step, x^2. The result is x^(2) * (x-1) = x^(3) - x^(2).

4. Subtract this product (x^(3) - x^(2)) from the dividend (x^(3)-x^(2)-4x+8). The subtraction gives us -4x + 8.

5. Bring down the next term from the original dividend. In this case, it's -4x.

6. Divide the new term (-4x) by the divisor (x-1). The result is -4.

7. Multiply the divisor (x-1) by the term we obtained in the previous step, -4. The result is -4 * (x-1) = -4x + 4.

8. Subtract this product (-4x + 4) from the current remainder (-4x + 8). The subtraction gives us 4.

9. We have no more terms to bring down, and the remainder (4) is less than the divisor (x-1), so we have our final result.

Therefore, ((x^(3)-x^(2)-4x+8))/(x-1) simplifies to x^2 - 4 + (4/(x-1)).