SOLUTION: Simplify (x^2 - 13x + 42) / (x^2 - 36) This is a rational expression and your answer should be in the form of a rational expression. PLEASE SHOW ALL WORK THANK YOU

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: Simplify (x^2 - 13x + 42) / (x^2 - 36) This is a rational expression and your answer should be in the form of a rational expression. PLEASE SHOW ALL WORK THANK YOU      Log On


   

Question 118916: Simplify (x^2 - 13x + 42) / (x^2 - 36)
This is a rational expression and your answer should be in the form of a rational expression.
PLEASE SHOW ALL WORK
THANK YOU
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%28x%5E2-13x%2B42%29%2F%28x%5E2-36%29 Start with the given expression

%28%28x-7%29%28x-6%29%29%2F%28x%5E2-36%29 Factor x%5E2-13x%2B42 to get %28x-7%29%28x-6%29

%28%28x-7%29%28x-6%29%29%2F%28%28x%2B6%29%28x-6%29%29 Factor x%5E2-36 to get %28x%2B6%29%28x-6%29


%28x-7%29%28x-6%29%2F%28x%2B6%29%28x-6%29 Combine the fractions


%28x-7%29cross%28%28x-6%29%29%2F%28x%2B6%29cross%28%28x-6%29%29 Cancel like terms


%28x-7%29%2F%28x%2B6%29 Simplify


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Answer:

So %28x%5E2-13x%2B42%29%2F%28x%5E2-36%29 simplifies to %28x-7%29%2F%28x%2B6%29. In other words %28x%5E2-13x%2B42%29%2F%28x%5E2-36%29=%28x-7%29%2F%28x%2B6%29