If i have rational function and it has a numerator that can be factored and the denominator is already factored out would I simplify by factoring the numerator?

Question

The question is:

((x^2)-4)/ ((x-2)(x+3))

and then cancelling out the x-2 from both the denominator and the numerator leaving me with (x+2)/(X+3)? And then go from there to find the limit?

Answer 1

Yes, you can simplify it that way, but then you need to note that your new Domain is all real numbers with the exception of 2.

Domain = R - {2} is how you would notate it.

 

Do you understand why? Do you know what makes two equations equilvent?

Answer 2

I would actually add that simplifying (x+2) in the numerator and denominator is not related causally to the exclusion of 2 from the domain. Conditions of existence need be established before the equation (or function or ...) is manipulated. This ratio of polynomials exists only for x ≠ 2 and x≠ -3.

Existence should be the first step. After that's established, one can simplify without losing track of the various conditions and constraints.

Answer 3

The way you've simplified the function is correct. You divided out the "x-2" factor in both the numerator and denominator, and the limit you want would be the limit of (x+2)/(x+3). As others have said, keep in mind the domain does exclude 2; from a graphing standpoint there is a "hole" in the graph where you would ordinarily see (2, 0.8) in the "simplified" function.

Answer 4

Yes you have to factor the denominator or you won't know if simplification is possible at this stage.

Answer 5

Danielle,

To echo/amplify Jon's point: you can of course cancel (x-2), but keep in mind there is a conditon for you to be able to do that: x-2 /= 0; or in other words, the cancellation is only valid for x /= 2.