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Multiple Choice
Subtract the following rational expressions and write the difference in simplest form if possible.
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Identify the given rational expressions: \(\frac{x^2}{x^2 - 25} - \frac{5x}{25 - x^2}\).
Notice that the denominators \(x^2 - 25\) and \$25 - x^2\( are related. Recall that \)x^2 - 25\( factors as \)(x - 5)(x + 5)\(, and \)25 - x^2\( is the negative of \)x^2 - 25\(, so \)25 - x^2 = -(x^2 - 25) = -(x - 5)(x + 5)$.
Rewrite the second fraction to have the same denominator as the first by factoring out the negative sign: \(\frac{5x}{25 - x^2} = \frac{5x}{-(x - 5)(x + 5)} = -\frac{5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\).
Now express both fractions with the common denominator \((x - 5)(x + 5)\): the first fraction is \(\frac{x^2}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\), and the second is \(-\frac{5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\). The subtraction becomes \(\frac{x^2}{(x - 5)(x + 5)} - \left(-\frac{5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\right)\).
Combine the numerators over the common denominator: \(\frac{x^2 + 5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\). Then factor the numerator if possible and simplify the expression by canceling common factors.