SOLUTION: [(1-x^2)(x+2)^2] / (2+x)(x-1) Please explain clearly, step by step, how you got to the answer. Thank you!

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: [(1-x^2)(x+2)^2] / (2+x)(x-1) Please explain clearly, step by step, how you got to the answer. Thank you!      Log On


   

Question 1007733: [(1-x^2)(x+2)^2] / (2+x)(x-1)
Please explain clearly, step by step, how you got to the answer. Thank you!
Answer by fractalier(6550) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Okay, from
[(1-x^2)(x+2)^2] / (2+x)(x-1)
let's factor the numerator and get
[(1+x)(1-x)(x+2)(x+2)] / (2+x)(x-1)
You can see that (x+2) and (2+x) are identical factors and thus cancel out...
[(1+x)(1-x)(x+2)] / (x-1)
It turns out that (1-x) / (x-1) = -1, so they also cancel out, leaving a minus one in their place...
-(1+x)(x+2) or
-(x+1)(x+2)
And that's it.