SOLUTION: I am having a hard time trying to simplify this equation: (4x+4)/(x^2-1) I know the answer is 4/x-1, but I wonder why. I tried to split the equation into smaller parts: (2*2*

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: I am having a hard time trying to simplify this equation: (4x+4)/(x^2-1) I know the answer is 4/x-1, but I wonder why. I tried to split the equation into smaller parts: (2*2*      Log On


   

Question 641238: I am having a hard time trying to simplify this equation: (4x+4)/(x^2-1)
I know the answer is 4/x-1, but I wonder why.
I tried to split the equation into smaller parts: (2*2*x+2*2)/(x*x-1)
But as you see, the 4 parts does not contain common factors, therefore I wonder how you can simplify it even further.

Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(4x+4)/(x^2-1)
factoring the numerator:
4(x+1)/(x^2-1)
notice, for the denominator, we can rewrite as:
4(x+1)/(x^2-1^2)
it is a "difference of squares"-- special factoring case:
4(x+1)/[(x-1)(x+1)]
canceling like-terms:
4/[(x-1)]
4/(x-1)