Answer:
To simplify any rational expressions, we apply the following steps:
Factorize both the denominator and numerator of the rational expression. Remember to write each expression in standard form.
Reduce the expression by cancelling out common factors in the numerator and denominator
Rewrite the remaining factors in the numerator and denominator.
Explanation:
Example:
Simplify: (x^{2} + 5x + 4) (x + 5)/(x^{2} – 1)
Solution:
Factoring the numerator and denominator to get;
⟹ (x + 1) (x + 4) (x + 5)/(x + 1) (x – 1)
Now cancel the common terms.
⟹ (x + 4) (x + 5)/(x – 1)