Question

Using complete sentences, explain each step in simplifying the ratio x squared minus x minus 20 all over x squared plus 8 times x plus 16and provide the simplified form.

Answer 1

(x^2 -x - 20)/(x^2 + 8x + 16)

factor top and bottom
((x - 5)(x + 4))/((x + 4)(x + 4))

(x + 4) in numerator and demoninator cancel
(x-5)/(x+4)