Write the given expression in lowest term. Factor as necessary. (See Example 1.)Example 1W...

Write the given expression in lowest term. Factor as necessary. (See Example 1.)

Example 1

Write each of the following rational expressions in lowest terms (so that the numerator and denominator have no common factor with integer coefficients except 1 or −1).

(a)

Solution Both 12m and −18 are divisible by 6. By the cancellation property,

 

---

(b)

Solution Factor the numerator and cancel:

 

The answer could also be written as 2x + 4 if desired.

---

(c)

Solution Factor the numerator and denominator and cancel: