Which factor do you cancel from the numerator and denominator to simplify x squared minus 2 times x minus 3 all over x squared minus 9.? Answer x + 2 x - 3 x + 3 x - 2
what do you get when you factor x^2-9?
It's a "difference of squares" problem.
I know that it is either x-3 or x+3 but im not sure
Right. When you factor x^2-9 you get (x+3)(x-3). That will be your denominator. Then just cancel the like terms in the numerator and denominator. Do you see what the like terms will be?
don't you cancel x-3
Yes.
so the answer is x +3 ?
The question was asking which term you cancel. I believe you said above that you cancel (x-3). Right?
oh yea sryy ok so the answer would be x + 3 but they asked which one we would cancel out so it is x - 3
Right - math questions can be tricky sometimes! Always be sure to answer the question they ask.
okay, thanks for your help
you're welcome!
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