If x = -5, what is the value of (x^2 - 1)/(x + 1)

If x = -5, what is the value of (x2 - 1)/(x + 1)?

  1. -6
  2. -4
  3. 4
  4. 5 4/5
  5. 19

Answer

The correct answer is A.

Substituting -5 for x produces a numerator equal to (-5)2 - 1 = 25 - 1 = 24 and a denominator equal to -5 + 1 = -4.

Therefore, the ratio is 24/(-4) = -6