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

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Question 152262: How do you simplify a rational expression like: t^2-25/t^2+t-20, whats the answer?: How do you simplify a rational expression like: t^2-25/t^2+t-20, whats the answer?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(9168) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

(t^2-25)/(t^2+t-20) Start with the given expression.


((t-5)*(t+5))/(t^2+t-20) Factor t^2-25 to get (t-5)*(t+5).


((t-5)*(t+5))/((t+5)*(t-4)) Factor t^2+t-20 to get (t+5)*(t-4).


((t-5)highlight((t+5)))/(highlight((t+5))(t-4)) Highlight the common terms.


((t-5)cross((t+5)))/(cross((t+5))(t-4)) Cancel out the common terms.


(t-5)/(t-4) Simplify.


So (t^2-25)/(t^2+t-20) simplifies to (t-5)/(t-4).


In other words, (t^2-25)/(t^2+t-20)=(t-5)/(t-4) where t<>-5 or t<>4