Factoring [Solved!]

X

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I am still confused on that little problem i.e. `(x^2 - y^2)/(y - x)` in equivalent fractions. Let `x = 4` and `y = 3`

Then `(x^2 - y^2)/(y - x) = (16-9)/(-1) = -7`

But `(x^2 - y^2)/(x - y) = (16-9)/(1) = 7`, a difference of `14`.

Thank You Again,

Relevant page

<a href="/factoring-fractions/5-equivalent-fractions.php">5. Equivalent Fractions</a>

What I've done so far

Struggled with the solution of Exercise 4 for some time

X

Sometimes these mental blocks can drive us crazy! While your substitutions are quite correct, what I have on the site is a negative on the denominator of the fraction in the second line.

Your first line is fine:

`\frac{x^2 - y^2}{y - x} = \frac{16-9}{-1} = -7`

But the second line should be

 `\frac{x^2 - y^2}{-(x - y)} = \frac{16-9}{-1} = -7`

So they are the same.

Hope that makes sense.

X

I see it now. Thanks