Question 80017
 X4 – 16
_________
  X - 2

1- Factor the numerator.
(x+2)(x-2) = X^4 - 16

2- Rewrite the numerator in factored form.
(x+2)(x-2)
-----------
   x-2

3- After canceling expressions that are alike, you'll end up with the following.
 x+2

4- The solution is x+2.