16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardDividing a polynomial by a monomial

Advanced Math practice question

For x ≠ 0, which expression is equivalent to (6x⁴ − 9x²) / (3x²)?

  1. A. 2x² − 3Correct
  2. B. 2x² − 9x²
  3. C. 2x⁴ − 3
  4. D. 3x² − 3

Answer: A. 2x² − 3

Divide each term of the numerator by 3x²: 6x⁴ / 3x² = 2x² and 9x² / 3x² = 3. So the result is 2x² − 3.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 2x² − 9x²
The second term wasn't divided: 9x² / 3x² = 3, not 9x².
C. 2x⁴ − 3
The exponent in the first term wasn't reduced: 6x⁴ / 3x² = 2x², since the exponents subtract.
D. 3x² − 3
6 / 3 is 2, not 3. The coefficient divides along with the variable.

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