Question #N581
What is the value of \(\frac{x^2 - 1}{x + 1}\) when \(x = -3\)?
A. -4
B. -2
C. 2
D. 4
Correct Answer is: D
First, we can factor the numerator, which gives us \(\frac{(x+1)(x-1)}{x+1}\). Since \(x\neq -1\), we can cancel the \(x+1\) terms, leaving us with \(x-1\). Substituting -3 for x gives -3 - 1 = -4, so the correct answer is D.