Using complete sentences, explain each step in simplifying the ratio
x^2-x-20
__________
x^2+8x+16
ane simplified form.

Question

Using complete sentences, explain each step in simplifying the ratio 
x^2-x-20
__________
x^2+8x+16
ane simplified form.

anonymous · Answer

this is a fraction not to differant equations

parthkohli · Answer

Factor the numerator and denominator. What do you get?

anonymous · Answer

i know the x^2 is cancelled but then im lost?

parthkohli · Answer

No, you can't cancel x^2 just like that. You have to factorize the numerator and denominator.

anonymous · Answer

The factors of 20 are 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 20...
you need to get a negative 1 (because the middle is -1x)
to get that you would use four and five...
so set up the brackets like such:
(x  )(x  ) because that is equal to x^2
to get negative one you would use the bigger number (5) and make it negative
the other number would be a positive (4)
then plug them into the (x  )(x  )
(x-5)(x+4)

**To check this use FOIL...