simplifying rational expressions?

Question

-x^2 + 10x - 21/-3x^2 + 23x - 14

Answer 1

Note the significance of brackets; because I've done a lot of similar math problems, I've been able to determine that you mean this:

(-x^2 + 10x - 21)/(-3x^2 + 23x - 14)

First, factor a negative out of the top and bottom.

[(-1)(x^2 - 10x + 21)] / [(-1)(3x^2 - 23x + 14)]

Now, factor each of these quadratics normally.

[(-1)(x - 7)(x - 3)] / [(-1)(3x - 2)(x - 7)]

Cancel all common terms; this includes (-1) and (x - 7)

(x - 3)/(3x - 2)

Answer 2

oh thank god puggy...i get confused by mistypes when people write out expressions....grr