grade 11 · A2-009

Simplify a rational expression

Cancel common factors while retaining excluded domain values.

Learn togetherFresh problem · seed 1778179368

For permitted values of x, simplify \(\frac{(x+6)(x+6)}{(x+6)(x+9)}\).

Let's work it out together.

Work through one checkpoint at a time. Your answer area opens after the reasoning.

Checkpoint 1

Factor numerator and denominator before canceling.
Checkpoint 2

Cancel the complete common factor, not individual terms inside a sum.
Checkpoint 3

Retain the original excluded values even after simplifying.

\(\frac{x+6}{x+6}\)\(\frac{12}{15}\)\(\frac{x+6}{x+9}\)