Algebra Examples

$\frac{x + y}{x^{2} - y^{2}}$

Step 1

Since both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, $a^{2} - b^{2} = (a + b) (a - b)$ where $a = x$ and $b = y$ .

$\frac{x + y}{(x + y) (x - y)}$

Step 2

Cancel the common factor of $x + y$ .

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Step 2.1

Cancel the common factor.

$\frac{x + y}{(x + y) (x - y)}$

Step 2.2

Rewrite the expression.

$\frac{1}{x - y}$