To solve the problem, we need to multiply the given rational expressions:
\[ \frac{x^2 + 2x - 3}{x^2 + 3x - 4} \cdot \frac{x^2 + 6x + 8}{x^2 - 9} \]
Let's start by factoring each of the polynomials:
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Factor \(x^2 + 2x - 3\): \[ x^2 + 2x - 3 = (x + 3)(x - 1) \]
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Factor \(x^2 + 3x - 4\): \[ x^2 + 3x - 4 = (x + 4)(x - 1) \]
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Factor \(x^2 + 6x + 8\): \[ x^2 + 6x + 8 = (x + 2)(x + 4) \]
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Factor \(x^2 - 9\): \[ x^2 - 9 = (x - 3)(x + 3) \]
Now, substitute the factored forms into the expression:
\[ \frac{(x + 3)(x - 1)}{(x + 4)(x - 1)} \cdot \frac{(x + 2)(x + 4)}{(x - 3)(x + 3)} \]
Next, we can simplify the expression. Notice that \(x + 3\), \(x - 1\), and \(x + 4\) are present in both the numerator and denominator:
- The \(x + 3\) in the numerator and denominator cancels.
- The \(x - 1\) in the numerator and denominator cancels.
- The \(x + 4\) in the numerator and denominator cancels.
After canceling, we're left with:
\[ \frac{(x + 2)}{(x - 3)} \]
Thus, the final simplified rational expression is:
\[ \frac{x + 2}{x - 3} \]
So, the answer in simplest form is:
\[ \frac{x + 2}{x - 3} \]
Alternatively, written as:
Start Fraction x plus 2 over x minus 3 End Fraction.