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Multiple Choice
Subtract the following rational expressions and write the difference in simplest form if possible.
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B
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1
Identify the denominators of the rational expressions: the first denominator is \(x^2 - 4\) and the second denominator is \(x - 2\).
Factor the denominator \(x^2 - 4\) as a difference of squares: \(x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2)\).
Rewrite both rational expressions with the common denominator \((x - 2)(x + 2)\): the first fraction remains \(\frac{x+2}{(x-2)(x+2)}\), and the second fraction becomes \(\frac{1}{x-2} = \frac{x+2}{(x-2)(x+2)}\) after multiplying numerator and denominator by \((x+2)\).
Set up the subtraction with the common denominator: \(\frac{x+2}{(x-2)(x+2)} - \frac{x+2}{(x-2)(x+2)}\).
Subtract the numerators over the common denominator: \(\frac{(x+2) - (x+2)}{(x-2)(x+2)}\), then simplify the numerator and denominator if possible.