How would I simplify this rational expression?

Question

+1

532

1

\({(x + 2)^{2} - (x - 2) - 20 \over x^{2} - 9}\)

Guest Jul 21, 2018

CPhill · Answer 1 · 2018-07-21T08:31:31

(x + 2)^2 - (x -2) - 20

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x^2 - 9

Simplify the numerator = x^2 + 4x + 4 - x + 2 - 20 = x^2 + 3x - 14 ...this is not factorable

The denominator factors as ( x + 3) ( x - 3)

So....the answer is

x^2 + 3x - 14

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(x + 3) ( x - 3)