__5-x___=-(x-5)=-1(underneath -1 is 1
x-5 = x-5

I hope this isn't confusing I was just trying to show how my problem looks on the page with the 5-x being over the x-5. It is a very simple problem but I am just asking about if my thought process is right by knowing that the two x-5's cancel each other and so we are just left with the -1 on the top and the regular 1 on the bottom

Question

__5-x___=-(x-5)=-1(underneath -1 is 1
x-5         = x-5

I hope this isn't confusing I was just trying to show how my problem looks on the page with the 5-x being over the x-5.  It is a very simple problem but I am just asking about if my thought process is right by knowing that the two x-5's cancel each other and so we are just left with the -1 on the top and the regular 1 on the bottom

anonymous · Answer

you're right :), but you can simplify -1/1 to -1

nowhereman · Answer

yes, but you must remember, that x can not be 5, because 0/0 is not defined

anonymous · Answer

that too!

anonymous · Answer

okay, thank you so much

anonymous · Answer

I have another question about this kind of rational expression

anonymous · Answer

I had an x^2-3x with a 2x-6 on the bottom of that.  I understand that the x^2-3x breaks up into subsequent parentheses of (x+3x) (x-3x) do I just leave the 2x-6 alone as it is on the bottom?

nowhereman · Answer

That sounds strange, if I understood you correctly you must calculate $$ \frac{x^2 - 3x}{2x -6} = \frac{x\cdot(x-3)}{2\cdot(x-3)} = \frac{x}{2}$$