Question

Simplify the rational expressions. State any excluded values.

I'm not sure what to do next...

x - 2
————
x^2 = 3x -10


x-2
-----
x^2+5x-2x-10

x-2
-----
x(x+5)-2(x+5)

Answer 1

next step is factor out the term "x+5"

--> (x+5)(x-2)

Notice now you can cancel the term "x-2"

Answer 2

Excluded values are any "x" values that make denominator zero

Answer 3

I have confused myself.

will my final answer be (x+5)(x-2)? If so can you explain this a little more?

Answer 4

??
\[\rightarrow \frac{x-2}{(x+5)(x-2)} = \frac{1}{x+5}\]
x+5 = 0 ---> x = -5 (excluded value)

Answer 5

Oh! ok. I see what you did there. Thank you very much!