SOLUTION: x^2 - 4x / x^2 - 5x - 36 simplify the given rational expression completely.

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: x^2 - 4x / x^2 - 5x - 36 simplify the given rational expression completely.      Log On


   



Question 370110: x^2 - 4x / x^2 - 5x - 36
simplify the given rational expression completely.

Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28x%5E2+-+4x%29%2F%28x%5E2+-+5x+-+36%29
This fraction will not simplify. To simplify a fraction you factor the numerator and denominator and reduce the fraction, if they have factors in common.

Factoring your fraction:
%28x%28x-4%29%29%2F%28%28x-9%29%28x%2B4%29%29
As you can see, there are no factors to cancel. (I suspect that one of the minus signs should be a plus sign.)