i get it but problems like this throw me off..please help?

Question

perform the operation. siplify if possible...


(x+1) over (4x+8) - (x^2) over (4x^2-16)

Answer 1

(x+1)/(4x+8) - x²/(4x²- 16)

First, factor out the 1/4 from both fractions:

1/4 ((x+1)/(x+2) - x²/(x²-4))

Now, multiply numerator and denominator of the first fraction by x-2:

1/4 ((x²-x-2)/(x²-4) - x²/(x²-4))

We now have a common denominator, so subtract:

1/4 (-x-2)/(x²-4)

Factor out the negative:

-1/4 (x+2)/(x²-4)

Factor the denominator:

-1/4 (x+2)/((x-2)(x+2))

Cancel:

-1/4 1/(x-2)

Multiply:

-1/(4x-8)

Simplify:

1/(8-4x)

And that's as simple as it gets.

Answer 2

Just stay with it. Keep practicing. you're getting ready for
bigger things. Let's find the common denominator:
(x+1)/4/(x+2) - x^2/4/(x+2)(x-2)
(x-2)(x+1)-x^2/4/(x+2)(x-2)
x^2-x-2-x^2/.......
-(x+2)/......
-1/4(x-2)