Question: Simplify the expression \frac{2x^2 - 8}{4x}
1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{2x^2 - 8}{4x}$$.
2. **Formula and rules:** To simplify a rational expression, factor numerator and denominator and cancel common factors.
3. **Factor the numerator:** $$2x^2 - 8 = 2(x^2 - 4) = 2(x - 2)(x + 2)$$.
4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$\frac{2(x - 2)(x + 2)}{4x}$$.
5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$\frac{\cancel{2}(x - 2)(x + 2)}{\cancel{4}x} = \frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{2x}$$.
6. **Final simplified form:** $$\frac{(x - 2)(x + 2)}{2x}$$.
**Explanation:** We factored the numerator to find common factors with the denominator and canceled the common factor 2, simplifying the expression step-by-step.