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Multiple Choice
Subtract the following rational expressions and write the difference in simplest form if possible.
A
x+5x
B
x−5x
C
(x−5)(x+5)x
D
x−5x+5
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1
Identify the given rational expressions to subtract: \(\frac{x^2}{x^2 - 25} - \frac{5x}{25 - x^2}\).
Notice that the denominators \(x^2 - 25\) and \$25 - x^2\( are related. Factor \)x^2 - 25\( as \)(x - 5)(x + 5)\(, and recognize that \)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 the subtraction as \(\frac{x^2}{(x - 5)(x + 5)} - \left(-\frac{5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\right)\), which simplifies to \(\frac{x^2}{(x - 5)(x + 5)} + \frac{5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\).
Since the denominators are the same, combine the numerators: \(\frac{x^2 + 5x}{(x - 5)(x + 5)}\). Then factor the numerator if possible and simplify the expression by canceling common factors.