Simplifying (x² - 4)/(x² + x - 6)

Algebra 1 · Axiom Academy

EXAMPLE Simplifying Rational Expressions Simplify a rational expression by factoring the numerator and denominator, then canceling the common factor. Simplify the rational expression , and state the restrictions on x . Nice work — you simplified a rational expression by factoring, canceling, and tracking restrictions. Factor completely: Factor both the numerator and the denominator before simplifying. Identify restrictions first: Find the values that make the original denominator zero before you cancel. Cancel common factors only: You can cancel factors (things multiplied), never terms (things added or subtracted). Canceling (x - 2) does not erase the restriction — it still came from the original denominator, so it stays.

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Algebra 1 course.