Question

How do you simplify `(u^2+7u-18)/(u-2)` and what are the excluded values for the variables?

Answer 1

`u+9`

`u != 2`

Explanation:

Although you have a numerator and denominator you are not allowed to simplify yet by cancelling, because there are terms (separated by + and * signs) rather than factors (which are multiplied)

Find the factors first.

`(u^2 +7u-18)/(u-2)`

`((u+9)(u-2))/((u-2))" "larr` now you can cancel

`((u+9)cancel((u-2)))/(cancel((u-2))`

`=u+9`

For excluded values, remember that the denominator may not be equal to `0`.

So, ask yourself what value of `u` would make `0`?

If `u-2=0 " "rarr u =2`