Chapter 8.1, Problem 21PSB

To determine

To find:The lowest form of the given ratio.

Answer to Problem 21PSB

The reduced form of the ratio is $\frac{\left(x-3\right)}{\left(x+4\right)}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

  $\frac{x^2-7x+12}{x^2-16}$

Formula used:

Divide or multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number or expression

Calculation:

  $\begin{array}{l}\frac{x^2-7x+12}{x^2-16}\\ =\frac{\left(x-4\right)\left(x-3\right)}{\left(x-4\right)\left(x+4\right)}\\ =\frac{\left(x-3\right)}{\left(x+4\right)}\end{array}$