Question

Evaluate the expression below when x= -2

Answer 1

Answer: -1

Step-by-step explanation: To evaluate this problem, the first thing we want to do is plug in the appropriate value for x.

When we do that, we get $\frac{(-2)^2- 8}{-2 + 6}$

A good rule of thumb for problems that involve division bars is to simplify what's above the division bar as much as you can and what's below the division bar as much as you can before you do your dividing.

So up top if we follow our order of operations, the first thing we want to do is square the -2 before we subtract. So -2² is +4.

So in our numerator we have 4 - 8.

Down below, we have -2 + 6 which is +4.

4 - 8 is -4 and -2 + 6 is +4.

$So$ $we$ $have$ $\frac{-4}{+4}$ $which$ $reduces$ $to$ $-1.$