Question

factoring polynomials
in order to simplify a rational expression, you will need to factor the polynomials in the numerator and denominator.
\\(\frac{2y}{xy + 3y}\\)
by factoring the polynomials, you can find common factors. common factors are parts of the expression that are identical in both the numerator and denominator.
\\(\frac{2y}{y(x + 3)}\\)
memory aid
multiply the factors to ensure that you factored the original rational expression correctly.
rational expressions
guided practice
type the numerator in the top blank and the denominator in the bottom blank. then click or tap done.
factor. remember to include parentheses in your answer. within the parentheses, include the variable term first, and then include the operation and numerical term.
\\(\frac{x^2 - 16}{x^2 + x - 12}\\) =
\\(\boldsymbol{(x - 4)(x + 4)}\\)
blank for denominator factorization

Explanation:

Step1: Factor numerator

$x^2 - 16 = (x-4)(x+4)$ (difference of squares)

Step2: Factor denominator

$x^2 + x - 12 = (x+4)(x-3)$ (find two numbers: 4 and -3, sum=1, product=-12)

Step3: Write factored form

$\frac{(x-4)(x+4)}{(x+4)(x-3)}$

Answer:

$\frac{(x-4)(x+4)}{(x+4)(x-3)}$