Question

Which of the following are equal to the rational expression below? x^2+x-6/x^2-2x-15

Answer 1

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

Answer:

(x-2)/(x-5)

Discussion:

Factor the numerator and denominator:

x^2 + x - 6 = (x+3)(x-2)

x^2-2x-15 =  (x+3)(x-5)

So  

( x^2 + x - 6) / x^2-2x-15  =   ( (x+3)(x-2) ) / ( (x+3)(x-5) )

Cancelling the (x+3) term in numerator and denominator gives

(x-2)/(x-5)

Regards,  

MrB