Question

Simplify the rational expression 3x+12/x^2-5x+4

Answer 1

Answer:

3(x + 4)

-----------------

(x - 4)(x - 1)

Step-by-step explanation:

In problems of this type, factoring is the first step.  Once you have the factors, your next step is to reduce wherever possible.

 3x + 12             3(x + 4)

----------------- = -----------------

x^2 - 5x + 4      (x - 4)(x - 1)

Unfortunately, none of these factors are cancellable.  This factored form is as far as we can go.