Questions on Algebra: Polynomials, rational expressions and equations answered by real tutors!

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Question 152261: How do you simplify a rational expression like d+7/d^2-49, whats the answer?: How do you simplify a rational expression like d+7/d^2-49, whats the answer?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(9168) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

(d+7)/(d^2-49) Start with the given expression.


(d+7)/((d-7)*(d+7)) Factor d^2-49 to get (d-7)*(d+7).


(highlight((d+7)))/((d-7)highlight((d+7))) Highlight the common terms.


(cross((d+7)))/((d-7)cross((d+7))) Cancel out the common terms.


(1)/(d-7) Simplify.


So (d+7)/(d^2-49) simplifies to (1)/(d-7).


In other words, (d+7)/(d^2-49)=(1)/(d-7) where d<>-7 or d<>7