Basic Algebra/Rational Expressions and Equations/Simplifying Rational Expressions

Lesson
To simplify rational expressions, first we need to know what they are. They are fractions that have polynomials on both their numerators and denominators.


 * $$\frac{2x^2+8x+8}{6x-2}$$

You just can simplify factors, not terms. That means you have to factorize the nominator and the denominator:


 * $$\frac{2x^2+8x+8}{6x-2}$$


 * $$= \frac{2(x+2)^2}{2(3x-1)}$$

Now, both are divisible by 2. So just divide them by 2, the result would be:


 * $$= \frac{(x+2)^2}{3x-1}$$

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