Question

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

Answer 1

try to factor the top and bottom expressions
x^2 - x - 20
you need 2 numbers whose product is -20 and whose sum = -1 ( as middle term is -x)
these are -5 and +4
so
factors are
(x - 5)(x + 4)

in a similar way factors of x^2 + 8x + 16 are
(x + 4( x + 4)

Answer 2

x^2 - x - 20 / x^2 + 8 + 16 and provide the simplified form.
Factor the numerator and denominator.
(x-5)(x+4)/(x+4)(x+4)
Cancel like terms from the numerator and denominator
""(x-5)/(x+4)""<---this being my answer?

Answer 3

because I'm left with(x-5)/(x+4)