GCSE Maths Practice: simplifying-expressions

Question 3 of 10

Simplify the fraction by factoring numerator and denominator and cancelling common factors.

\( \begin{array}{l}\textbf{Simplify the expression: } \frac{x^3 + 2x^2 - x - 2}{x^2 - 1}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Always factor completely and cancel common factors carefully, noting restrictions on x.

Use factor by grouping in the numerator and difference of squares in the denominator before simplifying.