College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter R - Section R.7 - Rational Expressions - R.7 Assess Your Understanding - Page 71: 55

Answer

LCM = $(x-2)(x+2)(x+1)$

Work Step by Step

Step 1: Factor each polynomial completely. $x^{2}-4$ = a difference of squares =$(x-2)(x+2)$ $ x^{2}-x-2 =\quad$ ... we want factors of -2 whose sum is -1 $=(x-2)(x+1)$ Step 2: The LCM is the product of each of these factors raised to a power equal to the greatest number of times that the factor occurs in the polynomials. LCM = $(x-2)(x+2)(x+1)$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.