simplify rational expression. if can't be explain why. show work

x^3-8
_______
x^2-4

Question

simplify rational expression. if can't be explain why. show work

x^3-8
_______
x^2-4

anonymous · Answer

(x-2)(x^2 +2x+4)/
(x-2)(x+2)

anonymous · Answer

then the x-2 cancels out

anonymous · Answer

could you help with x^2+4 / x^2-4 ?? same thing.

anonymous · Answer

no the new expression we have is:
x^2+2x+4/
x+2

anonymous · Answer

and that is as far as it simplifies

anonymous · Answer

why? ... and when in real life are these even going to come into play?

anonymous · Answer

ha maybe youll see.
because x-2/x-2=1

anonymous · Answer

whenever something is multiplying something , and is in the numerator and denomenator,
they cancel each other out,
always factor first

anonymous · Answer

i am slowly getting it ;) thanks.. but i still have no idea when i would use this is real life and how i can  'reflect' to my teacher how i would use it?

anonymous · Answer

what do you mean

anonymous · Answer

he wants me to reflect on when this would apply to using this problem and problems like it in the 'real world' and how it can help

anonymous · Answer

wow i dunno- try graphing it on wolfram alpha then see what the shape reminds u of

anonymous · Answer

thanks

anonymous · Answer

k