Reduce the rational expression to lowest terms. If it is already in lowest terms, enter the expression in the answer box. Also, specify any restrictions on the

Question

Reduce the rational expression to lowest terms. If it is already in lowest terms, enter the expression in the answer box. Also, specify any restrictions on the variable.

 

 

 

 

40x^2 +5x-35

______________

10x^2 +15x+5

Answer 1

40x^2 +5x-35
______________
10x^2 +15x+5

 

 

 

Numerator =40x^2 +5x-35=5(8x^2+x-7) =5(x+1)(8x-7)

 

Denominator =10x^2 +15x+5=5(2x^2+3x+1)=5(x+1)(2x+1)

 

So

 

5(x+1)(8x-7)                      (8x-7) 

______________    =        ________    -------- lowest term

 

5(x+1)(2x+1)                      (2x+1) 

 

 

restrictions on the variable.

to find restriction on variable set denominator equal to zero

 

2x+1 = 0

 

2x= -1

 

x= -1/2

 

so x cannot be equal to -1/2