Question 369304
The domain of the function is the set of all real numbers except x = 7. (Why?)  Operating only within the domain enables us to make an important cancellation: {{{y = ((x-7)(x+7))/(x-7) = x +7}}}, x not equal to 7.  The graph of this function is a straight line WITH A HOLE at the point (7,14), and y-intercept at 7. (So there is NO vertical asymtote!)