Simplify the algebraic fraction fully: .

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C.

  1. Step 1: Factorise the quadratic numerator: .
  2. Step 2: Factorise the denominator as a difference of two squares: .
  3. Step 3: Cancel the common factor from numerator and denominator: .
Answer
.
Why not the others: cancels instead of ; makes a sign error when factoring the numerator; inverts the cancelled expression.

Practise more Algebra: Quadratics, Simultaneous Equations and Sequences.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed UK GCSE mock tests.