Start by examining the given expression: \(\frac{(xz - xw + 2yz - 2yw)}{(z^2 - w^2)} \times \frac{(4z + 4w + xz + wx)}{(16 - x^2)}\).
Look for common factoring opportunities in each part of the expression. For the numerator of the first fraction, group terms to factor by grouping: \(xz - xw + 2yz - 2yw = (xz - xw) + (2yz - 2yw)\).
Factor out common factors from each group: \(x(z - w) + 2y(z - w)\), then factor out the common binomial \((z - w)\) to get \((x + 2y)(z - w)\).
Factor the denominator of the first fraction, \(z^2 - w^2\), recognizing it as a difference of squares: \(z^2 - w^2 = (z - w)(z + w)\).
Repeat the factoring process for the second fraction: factor the numerator \$4z + 4w + xz + wx\( by grouping as \)(4z + 4w) + (xz + wx)\(, then factor out common terms to get \)4(z + w) + x(z + w)\(, which factors to \)(4 + x)(z + w)\(. For the denominator \)16 - x^2\(, recognize it as a difference of squares: \)(4 - x)(4 + x)$.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring involves rewriting polynomials as products of simpler expressions. Recognizing common factors, difference of squares, or grouping terms helps simplify complex expressions, making multiplication or division easier.
Simplifying rational expressions means reducing fractions by canceling common factors in the numerator and denominator. This process requires factoring both parts fully to identify and eliminate shared factors.
When multiplying or dividing rational expressions, multiply numerators together and denominators together, then simplify. For division, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor, and always factor to simplify the result.