What is the difference? the fraction with numerator x and denominator x squared minus 16 minus the fraction with numerator 3 and denominator x minus 4

Factor the first denominator: x² − 16 = (x − 4)(x + 4). Rewrite the second fraction with that denominator, giving 3(x + 4)/[(x − 4)(x + 4)]. Subtract the numerators: x − 3(x + 4) = −2x − 12 = −2(x + 6). The result matches choice C, with numerator −2(x + 6).

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