Question

Which expression is equivalent to (x+1)^2-9/x+4

Answer 1

The answer should be 3x^-7/4x

Answer 2

Answer:

(x-2)

Step-by-step explanation:

Given expression is $\frac{(x+1)^2-9}{x+4}$

Now we factor the given expression

LEts factor the numerator

(x+1)^2 -9

9 can be written as 3^2

(x+1)^2 - 3^2

Now we apply a^2 - b^2 formula

a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)

(x+1)^2 - 3^2 = (x+1+3)(x+1-3)=(x+4)(x-2)

now we replace it in our problem

$\frac{(x+1)^2-9}{x+4}=\frac{(x+4)(x-2)}{x+4}$

Cancel out x+4 from top and bottom

So answer is (x-2)