# Math Help - Polynomial

1. ## Polynomial

Factor the polynomial: (x+a){x^2-ax/x}, my answer is x^2-a^2, is this right, thanks so much for checking for me.

2. If you mean (x+a){x^2-(ax/x)}, then

= (x+a)(x^2-a)
= x^3 - ax + ax^2 - a^2

If you mean (x+a){(x^2-ax)/x}, then

= (x+a)(x-a)
= x^2 - a^2

3. Originally Posted by AlvinCY
If you mean (x+a){x^2-(ax/x)}, then

= (x+a)(x^2-a)
= x^3 - ax + ax^2 - a^2

If you mean (x+a){(x^2-ax)/x}, then

= (x+a)(x-a)
= x^2 - a^2

If it is indeed the second choice note that you aren't done yet:
$x^2 - a^2 = (x + a)(x - a)$

-Dan

4. Hello, kwtolley!

Please check the exact wording of the problem.
The way it's given, it's completely wrong!

Factor the polynomial: $\frac{(x+a)(x^2-ax)}{x}$
"Factor"? . . . But it's already factored!

"Polynomial"? . . . We have the product and quotient of three polynomials!

Other than that, the problem is fine . . . it should have said:

. . Simplify: . $\frac{(x + a)(x^2 - ax)}{x}$

Factor and reduce: . $\frac{(x+a)\!\!\not{x}(x - a)}{\not{x}} \:=\:\frac{(x + a)(x-a)}{1} \:=\:x^2-a^2$

5. Originally Posted by topsquark
If it is indeed the second choice note that you aren't done yet:
$x^2 - a^2 = (x + a)(x - a)$

-Dan
LoL. You can tell I haven't done high school maths for a few year. And yes, for those of you who are reading this.

$(x + a)(x - a)$ is the FACTORISED form of $x^2 - a^2$