Math Problem Statement

Simplify the expression: \( \frac{8 - 2x}{x - 3} \div \frac{x - 4}{2x - 6} \)

Solution

The expression in the image is:

82xx3÷x42x6\frac{8 - 2x}{x - 3} \div \frac{x - 4}{2x - 6}

To simplify this, we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Rewrite the division as multiplication.

When dividing by a fraction, we multiply by the reciprocal. So the expression becomes:

82xx3×2x6x4\frac{8 - 2x}{x - 3} \times \frac{2x - 6}{x - 4}

Step 2: Simplify the terms.

  • Factor 82x8 - 2x:
    82x=2(4x)8 - 2x = 2(4 - x).
  • Factor 2x62x - 6:
    2x6=2(x3)2x - 6 = 2(x - 3).

So the expression becomes:

2(4x)x3×2(x3)x4\frac{2(4 - x)}{x - 3} \times \frac{2(x - 3)}{x - 4}

Step 3: Cancel common factors.

  • The terms x3x - 3 cancel out in both the numerator and the denominator.
  • The result is:

2(4x)×2x42(4 - x) \times \frac{2}{x - 4}

Step 4: Simplify further.

  • Notice that 4x=(x4)4 - x = -(x - 4).
  • This gives us:

2(1)×2x4=4×1x42(-1) \times \frac{2}{x - 4} = -4 \times \frac{1}{x - 4}

Finally, the expression simplifies to:

4x4\frac{-4}{x - 4}

This is the simplified form of the given expression.

Do you have any questions or would you like further details? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do we handle complex fractions in more general cases?
  2. What other factoring techniques can be used to simplify expressions?
  3. How would the result change if x=4x = 4?
  4. Can this expression have any undefined points?
  5. How do reciprocal rules apply in division of fractions?

Tip: Always check if any terms can be factored out and simplified before multiplying or dividing.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Division of Fractions

Formulas

Division of fractions: \( \frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a \times d}{b \times c} \)
Factoring expressions

Theorems

Factorization
Reciprocal of a fraction

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10