Algebra 2 (1st Edition)

Published by McDougal Littell
ISBN 10: 0618595414
ISBN 13: 978-0-61859-541-9

Chapter 8 Rational Functions - 8.4 Multiply and Divide Rational Expressions - 8.4 Exercises - Skill Practice - Page 578: 18

Answer

The student cannot cancel out the $x^2$ terms.

Work Step by Step

In order to simplify these expressions, we look for common factors in the numerator and the denominator. This means that we need to be sure that the numerator and denominator are in fully factored form. Doing this, we find: $$\frac{\left(x-4\right)\left(x+20\right)}{\left(x+4\right)\left(x-4\right)}\\ \frac{x+20}{x+4}$$
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