SOLUTION: I know have a problem and I dont know how to break the problem down (x^2-x-6)/(x^2-4) the book says its's (x-3)/(x-2) but it does not break the problem down

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I know have a problem and I dont know how to break the problem down (x^2-x-6)/(x^2-4) the book says its's (x-3)/(x-2) but it does not break the problem down      Log On


   

Question 326285: I know have a problem and I dont know how to break the problem down
(x^2-x-6)/(x^2-4)
the book says its's (x-3)/(x-2) but it does not break the problem down
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

%28x%5E2-x-6%29%2F%28x%5E2-4%29 Start with the given expression.


%28%28x%2B2%29%28x-3%29%29%2F%28x%5E2-4%29 Factor x%5E2-x-6 to get %28x%2B2%29%28x-3%29.


%28%28x%2B2%29%28x-3%29%29%2F%28%28x-2%29%28x%2B2%29%29 Factor x%5E2-4 to get %28x-2%29%28x%2B2%29.


%28highlight%28%28x%2B2%29%29%28x-3%29%29%2F%28%28x-2%29highlight%28%28x%2B2%29%29%29 Highlight the common terms.


%28cross%28%28x%2B2%29%29%28x-3%29%29%2F%28%28x-2%29cross%28%28x%2B2%29%29%29 Cancel out the common terms.


%28x-3%29%2F%28x-2%29 Simplify.


So %28x%5E2-x-6%29%2F%28x%5E2-4%29 simplifies to %28x-3%29%2F%28x-2%29.


In other words, %28x%5E2-x-6%29%2F%28x%5E2-4%29=%28x-3%29%2F%28x-2%29