Question

Could someone please help me with this question? Thanks!

Reduce (x^2-5x+6)/(x-2) to lowest terms

Answer 1

You have to first factorise the numerator, then a term in the numerator will cancel out the (x-2) in d denominator.

Answer 2

let me give you an example with a similar problem...
(x^2+5x+6)/(x+3)
To do this, you have to first factorize the numerator:
To factor the numerator, you first find the products of the constant (+6) that when added together will give you the coefficient of x (+5). I found the factors of +6 that when added together will give me +5 to be +2 and +3...Now replace that plus 5x with +2x and +3x...so this is what you will have:
x^2+3x+2x+6.
Now, you factor the terms out and what you'll have is:
x(x+3) + 2(x+3)...then, your answer will be: x^2+5x+6 = (x+2)(x+3); Now replace this with the original numerator and simplify...
(x+2)(x+3)/(x+3) = (x+2).

Ok, now try the one you were given as an assignment. I will be glad to check your work.