did i do this problem right?

Question

Reduce the rational expression to lowest terms. If it is already in lowest terms, enter the expression in the answer box.

 

a³+64/(a²-16)

 

so i got a(a+8) (a+8)/(a+4)(a-4) 

 

is this correct?

 

Answer 1

Hi Candice,

 

The numerator is a sum of cubes so to factor it you want to use the formula: (a+b)(a²⁺ab+b²) 

Given your denominator then your equation results in (a+4)(a² -4a+16) / (a+4)(a-4) then when you factor it

=a² - 4a + 16/(a-4)

 

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Hi Candice, the factor of the numerator is: (a + 4) * (a² - 4a + 16). The factor of the denominator is: (a + 4) * (a - 4). This gives:

 

(a + 4) * (a² - 4a + 16) divided by (a + 4) * (a - 4).

 

The (a + 4) in the numerator cancels the (a + 4) in the denominator leaving:

 

(a² - 4a + 16) / (a - 4)

 

Questions?