What is the correct order of operations for simplifying the expression the fraction with numerator open paren x plus 3 close paren squared minus open paren x squared plus 9 close paren and denominator 2 x squared ?

First square the binomial: (x + 3)² = x² + 6x + 9. Next distribute the minus sign across (x² + 9), giving −x² − 9; the numerator then simplifies to 6x. Finally, divide the simplified numerator by the denominator 2x². This is the order described by choice C: square, distribute the negative, simplify the dividend, and then divide.

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