Example

Finding the LCD of 2x2x12\frac{2}{x^2-x-12} and 1x216\frac{1}{x^2-16}

Find the LCD for the rational expressions 2x2x12\frac{2}{x^2-x-12} and 1x216\frac{1}{x^2-16}.

Step 1 — Factor each denominator completely. x2x12=(x4)(x+3)x^2 - x - 12 = (x - 4)(x + 3) x216=(x4)(x+4)x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

Step 2 — Find the LCD. By matching the common factor (x4)(x - 4) and bringing down the unshared factors (x+3)(x + 3) and (x+4)(x + 4), the LCD is (x+3)(x4)(x+4)(x + 3)(x - 4)(x + 4).

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Updated 2026-04-30

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