Can You Simplify the Fraction 2h/h2 + 2h + 2 by Cancelling Out 2h?

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The discussion centers on the simplification of the expression 2h/h² + 2h + 2. Participants clarify that the term 2h cannot be canceled out in the expression as written. The correct interpretation leads to the equivalent expression 2(1/h + h + 1), confirming that cancellation is not valid. If the expression were instead written as 2h/(h² + 2h + 2), further cancellation would also not be possible.

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2h/h2 + 2h + 2

does the 2h cancel out?
 
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coolbeans33 said:
2h/h2 + 2h + 2

does the 2h cancel out?

It's hard to see what you mean but I'm inclined to say the answer is no.

As you've written it we have:
$$\frac{2h}{h^2} + 2h + 2 = 2\left(\dfrac{1}{h} + h + 1\right)$$

but you can't cancel $$2h$$

If you meant $$\frac{2h}{h^2+2h+2}$$ then it won't cancel any further
 

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