Question

Which of the following is the simplified form of x^2-16/x-4
a. x + 4, with the restriction x ≠ -4
b. x - 4, with the restriction x ≠ -4
c. x + 4, with the restriction x ≠ 4
d. x - 4, with the restriction x ≠ 4

Answer 1

Factor x^2-16 to get (x+4)(x-4) by using the difference of squares rule

Answer 2

I don't understand the restrictions thing

Answer 3

the restriction is put in place to avoid dividing by zero

Answer 4

so what value of x causes a division by zero?

Answer 5

-4

Answer 6

plug this into the denominator

x-4

-4-4

-8

that's not zero, so x = -4 doesn't cause a division by zero

Answer 7

wait no 4

Answer 8

you got it

Answer 9

making the answer choice ...?

Answer 10

c

Answer 11

very good

Answer 12

that helped me so much thanks!

Answer 13

you're welcome