How do you simplify $\frac{a + 2}{2 + a}$ $(a+2)/(2+a)$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-10T20:41:44

Simplified, the answer is $1$ $1$ .

The sum $2 + a$ $2+a$ is the same as $a + 2$ $a+2$ , so:

$= \frac{a + 2}{2 + a}$ $color(white)=(a+2)/(2+a)$

$= \frac{a + 2}{a + 2}$ $=(a+2)/(a+2)$

$= 1$ $=1$

Answer 2 · 2018-03-10T20:45:43

In adding, the order is not important.

So $2 + a = a + 2$ $2+a=a+2$

And the 'problem' turns into:

$= \frac{a + 2}{a + 2} = 1$ $=(a+2)/(a+2)=1$

Note:
The value of $a = - 2$ $a=-2$ is forbidden, as this would lead to:

$\frac{0}{0}$ $0/0$ , which is undefined. But you may pick $a$ $a$ as close to $- 2$ $-2$ as you wish, and the answer will still be $1$ $1$

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