Kayla,

If you asked me to calculate 15 × 12/18 I would first look to see if there are common factors in the numerator and denominator so that I can simplify the expression. For example 12 = 2 × 6 and 18 = 3 × 6 so

15 × 12/18 = 15 × (2 × 6)/(3 × 6) = 15 × 2/3

But 15 = 3 × 5 so

15 × 12/18 = 3 × 5 × 2/3 = 2 × 5 = 10

Try this technique with your algebraic expression

(x²-9)/x × (x³-4x)/(x²+5x+6)

Factor the expressions (x² - 9), (x³ - 4x) and (x²+5x+6) and see if you can simplify

(x²-9)/x × (x³-4x)/(x²+5x+6)

Write back if you need more help,
Harley