Question

Perform the indicated operation. (y4 - 1) ÷ (y + 1)

A.) y3 - y2 + y R - 1

B.) y3 - y2 + y - 1

C.) y3 - y2 - y

Answer 1

Answer is B.) y3 - y2 + y - 1

Answer 2

Factorize the numerator as a difference of squares:

`y^4-1=(y^2-1)(y^2+1)=(y-1)(y+1)(y^2+1)`

Then if
`y\\eq-1`, the
`y+1` factors will cancel:

`(y^4-1)/(y+1)=(y-1)(y^2+1)=y^3-y^2+y-1`

so the answer is B.