How do you simplify (x^2 - 3x)/(2x - 6)x23x2x6?

2 Answers
Oct 2, 2017

x/2x2

Explanation:

To simplify algebraic fractions you need to factorise the top and bottom as much as you can and then see what terms can be cancelled.

At the top, we can take out a factor of xx and at the bottom, we can take out a factor of 22.

(x^2-3x)/(2x-6)x23x2x6

=(x(x-3))/(2(x-3))=x(x3)2(x3)

We can now cancel the x-3x3 from the top and bottom.

=(xcancel((x-3)))/(2cancel((x-3)))

=x/2

Oct 2, 2017

x/2

Explanation:

Some times they are easier to spot than other times.
The trick is to look for things that can be cancelled. You get better at this the more practice you do.

(xcancel((x-3)))/(2cancel((x-3))) = x/2