# Algebra 2 Help

1. Mar 3, 2006

### -1337-

Well, I need help solving the next problem:
All you have to do is simplify it. Also, would you be so kind and show your work? Thank you.

Last edited: Mar 3, 2006
2. Mar 3, 2006

### topsquark

$$\frac{x^2+x-10}{2x^2+9x-10} \frac{4x^2-2x}{x^2-36}$$

I would start by factoring each polynomial. You will find there are several cancellations.

If this doesn't seem that informative, remember that YOU need to show your work so we can find where you need the help!

-Dan

3. Mar 3, 2006

### -1337-

It's impossible to factor "2x² + 9x -10" isn't it?

4. Mar 3, 2006

### d_leet

Have you tried to factor any of those? The only 2 that factor don't cancel out.

5. Mar 3, 2006

### topsquark

Crap! I factored the 2x^2+9x-10 wrong. You are correct. There is either a typo in the original or the problem is bad. (Or someone made the same mistake I did!)

-Dan

Last edited: Mar 3, 2006
6. Mar 3, 2006

### d_leet

That doesn't factor into integers if you create a system of equations you end up back where you started, and if you try the quadratic equation you don't get rational numbers.

7. Mar 3, 2006

### -1337-

I'm terribly sorry, it's x² + x - 30, not x² + x -10, but I can factor that. Also, can you explain, please, I have to go to bed soon.

8. Mar 3, 2006

### d_leet

Well then some more things cancel out, are you sure that it was 2x^2+9x-10 in the original problem because if thats wrong then more things may cancel.

9. Mar 3, 2006

### -1337-

Yes, I'm positive about the 2x² + 9x -10. I guess my teacher didn't write the problem correctly.

I know how to factor the x² + x - 30 and the x² - 36, but not the other two.

Last edited: Mar 3, 2006
10. Mar 3, 2006

### topsquark

That helps. Please note the correction I made to my last post. I screwed up and didn't notice before I posted.

I can factor the new polynomial, but still nothing cancels. Are you certain about the 2x^2+9x-10?

-Dan

11. Mar 3, 2006

### d_leet

Ok well, with the other correction there are some things which cancel if you factor every polynomial so do you think you can give it a try now?

12. Mar 3, 2006

### d_leet

One thing will cancel. There is a common factor between x^2+x-30 and x^2 - 36.

Last edited: Mar 3, 2006
13. Mar 3, 2006

### -1337-

Thank you for all of your help. I'll ask my teacher tommorow.

Also, something does cancel out. If you factor x² + x - 30 you get (x + 6)(x - 5), and if you factor x² - 36 you get (x + 6)(x - 6). The (x + 6)' s cancel each other other out.

14. Mar 3, 2006

### topsquark

As you pointed out, 2x^2+9x-10 doesn't factor.

-Dan

15. Mar 3, 2006

### d_leet

Whoops I pasted the wrong thing, I fixed my post, sorry about that.

16. Mar 3, 2006

### ksinclair13

I got this as my answer:

$$\frac{2x(x-5)(2x-1)}{(x-6)(2x^2+9x-10)}$$