Simplify. The quantity x squared minus 3 times x minus 18 over the quantity x plus 3
A. x minus 3
B. x minus 6, where x does not equal negative 3
C. x minus 6, where x does not equal 6
D. 1 over the quantity x plus 3, where x does not equal negative 3
B. x minus 6, where x does not equal negative 3
To simplify the expression (x^2 - 3x - 18) / (x + 3), we can factor the numerator and cancel out common factors:
Step 1: Factor the numerator.
(x^2 - 3x - 18) = (x - 6)(x + 3)
Step 2: Cancel out common factors.
(x - 6)(x + 3) / (x + 3) = x - 6
Therefore, the simplified expression is x - 6.