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Does the expression x^3-1/x^2-1 simplify to x?

No, because x3 – 1 can be factored as x(x2 – x + 1) and x2 – 1 can be factored as x(x – 1), so only x can be canceled.
Yes, because x3(x – 1) can be factored as x2(x – 1) and x2 – 1 can be factored as x(x – 1), so (x – 1) can be canceled.
No, because the –1 in the numerator and denominator is not a common factor and cannot be canceled.
Yes, because –1 in the numerator and denominator is a common factor and can be canceled.

User DouO
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2 Answers

5 votes
the answer would be considered c
User NiegodziwyBeru
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1 vote

Answer: No, because the –1 in the numerator and denominator is not a common factor and cannot be canceled.

Explanation:

Since, the given expression,


(x^3-1)/(x^2-1)

=
((x-1)(x^2+x+1))/((x+1)(x-1))

=
(x^2+x+1)/(x+1)

Thus we can not further simplify the above expression.

Because, There is not any common factor in the numerator and denominator.

Thus, Option C) is correct.



User Bernard Hauzeur
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