(5x – 25) / x^2 – 25

Question

Simplify the expression

Answer 1

(5x - 25)  / (x² - 25)

Take out common term 5 in the above expression

5(x - 5) / (x² - 5²)

Recall : a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)

Substitute a = x and b = 5 in the above formula a² - b²

5(x - 5) / (x - 5)(x + 5)

Cancel the common term x - 5

5 / x + 5

or

5(x + 5)^-1.