Example

Finding the LCD of 2x2−x−12\frac{2}{x^2-x-12} and 1x2−16\frac{1}{x^2-16}

Find the LCD for the rational expressions 2x2−x−12\frac{2}{x^2-x-12} and 1x2−16\frac{1}{x^2-16}.

Step 1 — Factor each denominator completely. x2−x−12=(x−4)(x+3)x^2 - x - 12 = (x - 4)(x + 3) x2−16=(x−4)(x+4)x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

Step 2 — Find the LCD. By matching the common factor (x−4)(x - 4) and bringing down the unshared factors (x+3)(x + 3) and (x+4)(x + 4), the LCD is (x+3)(x−4)(x+4)(x + 3)(x - 4)(x + 4).

0

1

Updated 2026-06-03

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Related
Learn After