SOLUTION: Simplify the rational expression. {{{(x^2-4)/(2+x)}}} thanks.

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Question 425957: Simplify the rational expression.
%28x%5E2-4%29%2F%282%2Bx%29



thanks.
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28x%5E2-4%29%2F%282%2Bx%29
We rewrite the numerator as:
%28x%5E2+-+2%5E2%29%2F%282%2Bx%29
Factoring the numerator (difference of squares):
%28%28x-2%29%28x%2B2%29%29%2F%282%2Bx%29
Canceling terms leaves:
x-2