Understanding simplification: x^2-10x+25/x^2-5x

format ... format ... FORMAT

use grouping symbols to make your expressions clear to those who read them.

(x^2 - 10x + 25)/(x^2 - 5x) = (x - 5)(x - 5)/[x(x - 5)] = (x - 5)/x
 
Matholdie, remember that:

20 / 2 + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13
20 /(2 +3) = 20 / 5 = 4

Do you now SEE the importance of brackets?
 
Matholdie said:
I think I am getting it.
x^2-10x+25/x^2-5x
I came up with x+5/x
Click to expand...
If you actually mean the exercise to be "(x<sup>2</sup> - 10x + 25)/(x<sup>2</sup> - 5x)", rather than the "x<sup>2</sup> - 10x + (25/x<sup>2</sup>) - 5x" that you posted; and if the instructions were along the lines of "simplify without consideration of domain"; and if you mean your answer to be "(x + 5)/x", rather than the "x + (5/x)" that you posted; then, yes, your answer is almost correct; just check your signs.

If, on the other hand, any of my assumptions is incorrect, kindly please reply with clarification, using the formatting which has been previously explained to you, and including the full statement of the exercise (that is, including the instructions).

Thank you.

Eliz.
 
Matholdie said:
I think I am getting it.

x^2-10x+25/x^2-5x

I came up with x+5/x
Click to expand...

I think you have a "sign error"......

IF your problem is

x<SUP>2</SUP> -10x + 25
-------------------
x<SUP>2</SUP> - 5x

Factor the numerator and the denominator:

(x - 5)(x - 5)
--------------
x(x - 5)

Divide a common factor of (x - 5) out of numerator and denominator (with the restriction that x is not equal to either 0 or 5), and you get

x - 5
-----
x
 
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