Question

simplify: $\frac{x^2-16}{x-4}$
what does the given expression simplify to?
$(x + 4)(x - 4)$
$(x + 4)$
$(x + 4)/(x - 4)$
$(x - 4)$
ed value of $x$ for the given expression?

Explanation:

Step1: Factor numerator (difference of squares)

$x^2 - 16 = (x+4)(x-4)$

Step2: Cancel common factors

$\frac{(x+4)(x-4)}{x-4} = x+4$ (where $x
eq 4$)

Answer:

B. $(x + 4)$