# Thread:

1. ## Do i factor first or do i simplify first?

$\frac{x^2+6x+5}{x^2-25}$

So do i simplify or factor first?

2. Originally Posted by eh501
$\frac{x^2+6x+5}{x^2-25}$

So do i simplify or factor first?
As I can't see a way to simplify this (unless you want to do a division problem) then I would factor first.

-Dan

3. Ok, so i would get $(x+5)(x+1)over(x+5)(x-5)$

Do i just leave it like that?

4. Originally Posted by eh501
Ok, so i would get $(x+5)(x+1)over(x+5)(x-5)$

Do i just leave it like that?
No, now you have the problem in a form where you have a common x + 5 in the numerator and denominator. NOW divide. But remember that you can't divide by 0, so at the end you must write the line $x \neq -5$.

-Dan
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