Simplification of polynomial division

AI Thread Summary
The polynomial division problem involves simplifying the expression 2x² + 2x - 12 divided by x - 2 for x > 2. The correct simplification leads to the result 2(x + 3). The initial approach considered long polynomial division, but factoring was identified as a more efficient method. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing factoring techniques over division for simplification. Ultimately, the solution was confirmed to be straightforward once the correct factoring approach was applied.
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Homework Statement


For all x>2, \frac{2x²+2x-12}{x-2} simplifies to:
2(x - 2), x + 3, 2(x + 3)(x - 2), x - 2 or 2(x + 3).
(Problem taken from http://www.analyzemath.com/practice_tests/act/act_sample_1.html" , question five).


Homework Equations


None, AFAIK.


The Attempt at a Solution


I have seen the answer (which is 2(x+3)), but I couldn't figure out how to get there.
 
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The problem as you have written it is not the same as in the link. This is the version in the link:
\frac{2x^2 + 2x -12}{x - 2}

Factor 2 out of the numerator and then factor the remaining terms into the product of two binomials.
 
(A little typo :P)
Got it, thanks (quite easy, actually). I first thought of long polynomial division, but that's beyond my current knowledge, plus factoring is faster and easier.
 
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