How do you simplify #(a+2)/(2+a)#?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-10T20:41:44

Simplified, the answer is #1#.

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

#color(white)=(a+2)/(2+a)#

#=(a+2)/(a+2)#

#=1#

Answer 2 · 2018-03-10T20:45:43

In adding, the order is not important.

So #2+a=a+2#

And the 'problem' turns into:

#=(a+2)/(a+2)=1#

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

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