(x^2-4)/(x-2)

2 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x^2-4)/(x-2)

Simplifying the Expression: (x^2 - 4) / (x - 2)

The expression (x^2 - 4) / (x - 2) can be simplified by factoring the numerator and then cancelling common factors. Here's how:

Factoring the Numerator

The numerator (x^2 - 4) is a difference of squares. We can factor it as:

(x^2 - 4) = (x + 2)(x - 2)

Simplifying the Expression

Now, we can substitute the factored numerator back into the original expression:

(x^2 - 4) / (x - 2) = [(x + 2)(x - 2)] / (x - 2)

Since (x - 2) appears in both the numerator and denominator, we can cancel them out:

[(x + 2)(x - 2)] / (x - 2) = x + 2

Restrictions

It's important to note that the original expression is undefined when x = 2. This is because the denominator becomes zero. However, the simplified expression x + 2 is defined for all values of x.

Therefore, the simplified form of (x^2 - 4) / (x - 2) is x + 2, but it is valid only for x ≠ 2.

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