SOLUTION: simplify by removing factors of 1 n^2 - 16/(n+4)^2 n^2-16 over (n+4)^2

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: simplify by removing factors of 1 n^2 - 16/(n+4)^2 n^2-16 over (n+4)^2      Log On


   

Question 399502: simplify by removing factors of 1
n^2 - 16/(n+4)^2
n^2-16 over (n+4)^2
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28n%5E2+-+16%29%2F%28n%2B4%29%5E2
To remove factors of 1 we have to have factors. SO we start by factoring. The denominator is already factored. The numerator is a difference of squares:
%28%28n%2B4%29%28n-4%29%29%2F%28%28n%2B4%29%28n%2B4%29%29
We can see that the numerator and denominator have a common factor: (n+4). We can cancel this:
%28cross%28%28n%2B4%29%29%28n-4%29%29%2F%28cross%28%28n%2B4%29%29%28n%2B4%29%29
leaving:
%28n-4%29%2F%28n%2B4%29

Note: Neither the n's nor the 4's cancel. They are not factors and only factors may be canceled.