Question

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

Answer 1

`x/2`

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 `x` and at the bottom, we can take out a factor of `2`.

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

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

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

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

`=x/2`

Answer 2

`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`