Notice that x2=(x2−16)+16, so write the numerator of the fraction in this way. What do you notice?
You could use partial fractions, writing x2−16x2=A+x2−16Bx+C, but this will take a lot more time and effort than it's worth by spotting the above trick. (NB: most partial fractions with quadratics on the numerator, in a C4 exam, will use the above trick.)
It's the same as (x^2 - 16) + 16 / x^2 - 16 You can then split it into: (x^2 - 16 / x^2 - 16) + (16 / x^2 - 16) Which should simplify to give your answer.
ooooh yes they cancel! sneaky... thank you! i would have never figured that out in an exam..
You should try to practice it.
If the numerator looks like the denominator but with something missing, it's often the case that you can add and subtract something, leading to simplification like you've been shown above.