Simplify the rational expression (x^2 -x -6)/ (x^2 -3x -10)

Question

asked Apr 13, 2021 174k views

2 Answers

Ludek Vodicka · Answer 1 · 2021-04-19T18:18:42+0000

Answer:

(x-3)/(x-5)

Explanation:

Factorise the numerator and denominator

x² - x - 6 = (x - 3)(x + 2)

x² - 3x - 10 = (x - 5)(x + 2)

The rational expression can now be written as

=
((x-3)(x+2))/((x-5)(x+2)) ← cancel the factor (x + 2) on numerator/denominator

=
(x-3)/(x-5)