TEAS Test Math Questions Related

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Simplify (x^2 - y^2) / (x - y)

  • A. x + y
  • B. x - y
  • C. 1
  • D. (x + y)/(x - y)
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The expression x^2 - y^2 is a difference of squares, which follows the identity: x^2 - y^2 = (x + y)(x - y). Therefore, the given expression becomes: (x^2 - y^2) / (x - y) = (x + y)(x - y) / (x - y). Since (x - y) appears in both the numerator and the denominator, they cancel each other out, leaving x + y. Thus, the simplified form of (x^2 - y^2) / (x - y) is x + y. Therefore, the correct answer is A (x + y). Option B (x - y) is incorrect as it does not result from simplifying the given expression. Option C (1) is incorrect as it does not account for the variables x and y present in the expression. Option D ((x + y)/(x - y)) is incorrect as it presents the simplified form in a different format than the correct answer.