
Cornelia M. answered 09/21/12
Math Tutor - Specializing in Middle school through College
Whenever you have expressions in your fractions, you want to see if you can factor anything. The numerator (x-2) is already in simpliest form, so let's look at the denominator (8x2-32). I see a common factor of 8, so let's pull that out. You get 8(x2-4). But, we're not done! Did you recognize that difference of squares? Let's factor again: 8(x-2)(x+2).
Let's put it all together. The (x-2) in the numerator cancels with the (x-2) in the denominator. The final answer is 1/8(x+2).