And what does a = with a line through it mean ?

see explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

given

, x ≠ - 1

The x ≠ - 1 means that x cannot take the value of - 1 as this would make the denominator equal to zero which would make the fraction undefined.

Factor the numerator/ denominator

8x² - 8 = 8(x² - 1) ← factor out 8 from both terms

x² - 1 ← is a difference of squares, hence

8x² - 8 = 8(x - 1)(x + 1)

4x + 4 = 4(x + 1) ← factor out 4 from both terms

Thus the fraction now simplifies to

Cancel the 8 and 4 by 4 and cancel the factor (x + 1), leaving

=  2(x - 1) = 2x - 2 ← in the form ax + b

-1/2 +2

step-by-step explanation: