PSAT Math Multiple-Choice Question 675: Answer and Explanation

Question: 675

Which of the following is equivalent to the expression

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) Look at the answer choices. All of the choices indicate that at least one (x - 3) factor cancels out, so divide the numerator by (x - 3):

So the expression can be rewritten as:

You can cancel an (x - 3) term from the top and bottom:

The number 2 can be factored out of the numerator:

Another (x - 3) term cancels:

This is choice (D).

Alternatively, you could have factored the numerator directly:

2x² - 12x +18 = 2(x² - 6x +9) = 2(x - 3)²

Then you could have canceled out the (x - 3)² term from the denominator.