If open paren x squared minus 4 close paren divided by open paren x plus 2 close paren is equal to x minus 2 , which polynomial should fill in the blank? open paren x plus 2 close paren times ___________ is equal to x squared minus 4
Answer
A
x minus 2
B
x squared minus 2
C
x squared minus 4
D
x plus 2
Explanation
The numerator factors as a difference of squares: x² − 4 = (x + 2)(x − 2). Therefore, the polynomial that makes (x + 2) times the blank equal x² − 4 is x − 2, which is choice A.
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