What is the first step to simplify the expression the fraction with numerator 3 times open paren x plus 8 close paren squared and denominator x plus 2 ?

The exponent applies to the entire binomial (x + 8), so first square the binomial: (x + 8)² = (x + 8)(x + 8). Then you can simplify the numerator and consider the denominator. The correct choice is “square the binomial inside the parentheses.”

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