Simplify rational expression

Question

Simplify the rational expression (Show All work)

 

x^2-8x-48/x+4

Answer 1

Hi Again Theresa;

x²-8x-48/x+4

 

Let's factor...

x²-8x-48

 

For the simplification process, one parenthetical equation must =(x+4)

For the LAST of FOIL, 4 x -12=-48

For the INNER and OUTER of FOIL, 4x-12x=-8x

So...

(x-12)(x+4)

 

Let's simplify...

[(x-12)(x+4)]/(x+4)

Let's cancel where appropriate...

[(x-12)(x+4)]/(x+4)=x-12