Questions: Math 3
Question 5.5.1.5
Simplify the following expression. State any excluded values.
8m - 24
3 - m
The simplified form is □, where x ≠ □. (Use a comma to separate answers as needed.)
Transcript text: Math 3
Question 5.5.1.5
Simplify the following expression. State any excluded values.
8m - 24
3 - m
The simplified form is □, where x ≠ □. (Use a comma to separate answers as needed.)
Solution
Solution Steps
To simplify the expression \(\frac{8m - 24}{3 - m}\), we first factor the numerator and the denominator if possible. Then, we look for common factors that can be canceled out. Finally, we determine any values of \(m\) that would make the denominator zero, as these are the excluded values.
Step 1: Simplifying the Expression
We start with the expression
\[
\frac{8m - 24}{3 - m}.
\]
First, we factor the numerator:
\[
8m - 24 = 8(m - 3).
\]
Thus, the expression becomes
\[
\frac{8(m - 3)}{3 - m}.
\]
Step 2: Cancelling Common Factors
Next, we notice that \(3 - m\) can be rewritten as \(-(m - 3)\). Therefore, we can rewrite the expression as:
\[
\frac{8(m - 3)}{-(m - 3)} = -8,
\]
for \(m \neq 3\).
Step 3: Identifying Excluded Values
The excluded value occurs when the denominator is zero. Setting \(3 - m = 0\) gives us: