help with math problem?

Question

How do u do this problem x^2 -x -6 / x^2 - 4 =

Answer 1

(x^2 - x - 6)/(x^2 - 4)
= [(x + 2)(x - 3)/(x + 2)(x - 2)]

Cancel (x + 2) from numerator and denominator.

You get:
(x - 3)/(x - 2)

Answer 2

factor both the denominator and the numerator

it would look like this (x+2)(x-3) / (x+2)(x-2)

btw..the denominator is a "difference of two squares"
so..other examples of difference of two squares would be:
(x^2 - 9) or (x^2 - 16) or (x^2 - 25) or (4x^2 - 4) and so on..

anyways..back to original problem, cancel like terms..in this case, the (x+2)

final answer: x-3 / x-2

hope this helps :D

Answer 3

I'd solve it but no pencil nearby! GRR.

I can tell you, though,
if this is for math class & you have a decent math teacher,
you can come in early & ask for help & it'll be no big.

OR, just call and ask a friend.

Answer 4

FOIL

(x -3)(x+2) / (x+2)(x-2)

x+2s cancel

so x - 3 / x - 2 i believe?