SOLUTION: Please help me understand how to solve this rational expression.(thank you) x^3-y^3/x^2+xy+y^2 I think the denomiator factors out to: (x+y)(x+y) but I am not sure what to do wi

Algebra ->  Rational-functions -> SOLUTION: Please help me understand how to solve this rational expression.(thank you) x^3-y^3/x^2+xy+y^2 I think the denomiator factors out to: (x+y)(x+y) but I am not sure what to do wi      Log On


   



Question 25638: Please help me understand how to solve this rational expression.(thank you)
x^3-y^3/x^2+xy+y^2
I think the denomiator factors out to: (x+y)(x+y)
but I am not sure what to do with the numerator!
Is it, xy(x^2-y^2) and if it is, where do I go from there????
Thanks SO much for the help!!

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Simplify the expression: (You don't "solve" expressions, you simplify them)
%28x%5E3-y%5E3%29%2F%28%28x%5E2%2Bxy%2By%5E2%29%29 The numerator is the difference of two cubes and can be factored.
%28%28x-y%29%28x%5E2%2Bxy%2By%5E2%29%29%2F%28%28x%5E2%2Bxy%2By%5E2%29%29 Cancel the like-terms%28x%5E2%2Bxy%2By%5E2%29 in the top and bottom.
x-y This is the answer!