Simplify (a² − b²)/(a + b).

**The reasoning** This is about **factoring the difference of two squares**. The numerator a² − b² is a special pattern that always factors into (a + b)(a − b). So we rewrite the expression: (a² − b²)/(a + b) = [(a + b)(a − b)]/(a + b) Now we can cancel the common factor (a + b) from both top and bottom: = (a − b) That's it! The answer simplifies to **a − b**. **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) a + b** — You might pick this if you just look at the denominator and think "copy it down." But we're *dividing* by (a + b), not keeping it! **C) a²b²** — This looks like you multiplied the variables instead of factoring. Mixing up operations is the trap here. **D) 1** — You might think everything cancels completely, but only the (a + b) parts cancel, leaving (a − b) behind. **Quick takeaway** Whenever you see **a² − b²**, immediately think **(a + b)(a − b)** — this difference of squares pattern is your best friend in algebra!