Algebra II : Simplifying Expressions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #111 : Expressions

Simplify:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Distribute the fraction through both terms in the parentheses.

Simplify the terms.

The answer is:  

Example Question #72 : Simplifying Expressions

Factor this expression:  

Possible Answers:

Cannot be factored

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When we factor, we have to remember to check the signs in the trinomial. In this case, we have minus 4 and minus 12. That automatically tells us the signs in the factors must be opposite, one plus and one minus.

Next, we ask ourselves what are the factors of 12? We get 2 & 6, 1 & 12, and 4 & 3.

Then, we ask ourselves, which of these, when subtracted in a given order, will give us -4? The answer is 6 and 2! So we place these in the parentheses with the 's that we know go there so it looks like

Finally, we ask ourselves, what signs do we need to put in to get negative 4 and negative 12? We need a positive  but a negative  so we put the addition sign in with the 2 and the negative sign in with the 6! 

Example Question #163 : Basic Single Variable Algebra

Given that  or , simplify:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Step 1: Find a common denominator for terms in numerator

Step 2: Divide

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