SOLUTION: simplify the rational expression. state any restrictions on the variables. a^2-5a-6/a+1 what i did: a^2-5a-6/a+1 x a-1/a-1 = (a^2-5a-6)(a-1)= a^3-5a^2-6a+a^2+5a+6 = a^3-4a

Question 428244: simplify the rational expression. state any restrictions on the variables.
a^2-5a-6/a+1
what i did:
a^2-5a-6/a+1 x a-1/a-1 = (a^2-5a-6)(a-1)= a^3-5a^2-6a+a^2+5a+6 = a^3-4a^2-a+6
i am not sure if what i have done is right. and i do not understand what they mean by state any restrictions on the variables.
Answer by John10(297) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
simplify the rational expression. state any restrictions on the variables.
(a^2-5a-6)/a+1
You need to factor out the numerator then cancel out the like term from the denominator.
a^2 - 5a -6 = (a -6)(a +1)
Rewrite the expression:
[(a-6)(a+1)]/(a+1) = (a-6)
To find the restricted values, you set the denominator to be zero and solve for a:
a + 1 =0
a = -1
Since a = -1 makes the denominator to be zero, it is restricted.
Let me know if you need more clarification! john10.
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