How to simplify algebraic ratio:
(x^2-x-20)/(x^2+8x+16)

I know how to simplify the smaller things like
(x^2 - 16)/(x^2 - 4) but when it comes to the trinomials I'm lost.

Question

How to simplify algebraic ratio:
(x^2-x-20)/(x^2+8x+16)

I know how to simplify the smaller things like 
(x^2 - 16)/(x^2 - 4) but when it comes to the trinomials I'm lost.

hartnn · Answer

first, you need to factor the 2 trinomials, can you ?

anonymous · Answer

I believe they factor like:
(x^2-x-20) = (x - 5) (x + 4)
(x^2+8x+16) =  (x + 4) (x +4)

hartnn · Answer

ohh! very good!
thats correct :)

hartnn · Answer

so, what cancels out in numerator and denominator ?

anonymous · Answer

(x +4)  and (x +4) 
So I'm left with (x +4) and  (x - 5)

hartnn · Answer

yeah, (x-5) in numerator and x+4 in denominator,
so your answer will be (x-5)/(x+4)
thats it !

anonymous · Answer

Oh wow, that was easier than I thought! It looked difficult written in the text. Thank you!

hartnn · Answer

welcome ^_^