I understand it until the end where the example in my book shows when solving:

$x= \dfrac {-4\pm2\sqrt{6}}{4}$

Then:

$x= -1- \dfrac {\sqrt{6}}{2}$ or, $x=-1+\dfrac {\sqrt{6}}{2}$

Not quite sure how they factored, it does not explain. I tried, but kept coming up with.

$x= -2 \pm \dfrac {\sqrt{6}}{2}$

Somebody care to explain how it's done properly..

2. What is the value of four divided by four?

3. Originally Posted by stapel
What is the value of four divided by four?
It's 1.

Wouldn't that cancel out the denominator?

leaving,

$x=-1\pm2\sqrt{6}$

4. Originally Posted by NotSoBasic
It's 1.

Wouldn't that cancel out the denominator?

leaving,

$x=-1\pm2\sqrt{6}$
$
x= \dfrac {-4\pm2\sqrt{6}}{4} = \frac{-4}{4} \pm \frac{2\sqrt6}{4}
$

Now what does 4/4 and 2/4 equal

5. Ah, OK. That makes sense.. =D

Is that step called something where you separate the values, I would like to research more on that.

6. It's called reducing, or simplifying, fractions.

7. Originally Posted by NotSoBasic
Ah, OK. That makes sense.. =D

Is that step called something where you separate the values, I would like to research more on that.
I'm not sure about what it's called, but I can prove it.

$\frac{a+b}{c}=\frac{1}{c}\cdot(a+b)=\frac{a}{c}+\f rac{b}{c}$