The given expression is:

\[
\frac{x^2 - 25}{x - 5}
\]

We notice that the numerator, \(x^2 - 25\), is a difference of squares, which can be factored as:

\[
x^2 - 25 = (x - 5)(x + 5)
\]

Now, the expression becomes:

\[
\frac{(x - 5)(x + 5)}{x - 5}
\]

As long as \(x \neq 5\), we can cancel the common factor of \(x - 5\), simplifying the expression to:

\[
x + 5
\]

The degree of this simplified expression is **1**, since the highest power of \(x\) is 1.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:
1. How do we identify the degree of a polynomial?
2. What is the significance of the degree of an expression?
3. Can we simplify all rational expressions like this?
4. What happens if \(x = 5\) in this expression?
5. How does factoring help in simplifying rational expressions?

**Tip:** Always check for restrictions like \(x = 5\) when simplifying expressions to avoid dividing by zero.

Explore how to simplify the rational expression (x^2 − 25) / (x − 5) using the difference of squares. This step-by-step solution explains key concepts in algebra, factoring, and rational expressions, suitable for students in Grades 9-10.

Math Problem Statement

Degree of x2 − 25 x − 5

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