Question #N895
The expression $\frac{3x^2 - 6x}{x^2 - 4}$ is equivalent to $\frac{a}{x+2}$, where $x \neq -2$ and $x \neq 2$. What is the value of $a$?
A. -3
B. 3
C. 6
D. 9
Correct Answer is: B
Factoring the numerator and denominator of the given expression yields $\frac{3x(x-2)}{(x+2)(x-2)}$. Since $x \neq 2$, the (x – 2) terms cancel, leaving $\frac{3x}{x+2}$. Therefore, the expression is equivalent to $\frac{a}{x+2}$ when $a = 3$.