# Thread: Dividing Polynomials

1. ## Dividing Polynomials

Need help solving this!

2. Originally Posted by emximer

Need help solving this!
Are you dividing or subtracting?

As posted, you are subtracting.
Facor the two denominators. The 1st one will become (x+3)(x+2). The 2nd one will be (x-5)(x+2). So your common denominator will be (x+3)(x+2)(x-5).
Then the answer will be (-2) / (x+3)(x+2)(x-5).

If you are dividing,
You still have to factor the two denominators, then, as usual, invert the divisor so that you can just multiply instead of dividing.
The answer will be (x-5)/(x+3).

3. Originally Posted by ticbol
Are you dividing or subtracting?

As posted, you are subtracting.
Facor the two denominators. The 1st one will become (x+3)(x+2). The 2nd one will be (x-5)(x+2). So your common denominator will be (x+3)(x+2)(x-5).
Then the answer will be (-2) / (x+3)(x+2)(x-5).
I was subtracting, just got a little confused there. Thanks for the help, I messed up on the LCD, however the correct answer (according to this online homework site) has in the top, not a -2.

Thanks big time though!

4. Originally Posted by emximer
I was subtracting, just got a little confused there. Thanks for the help, I messed up on the LCD, however the correct answer (according to this online homework site) has in the top, not a -2.

Thanks big time though!
Er, yes, x -5 -(x +3) = -8. Not -2.