Let's find the value of the given expression when [tex]\( x = 9 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
\frac{x^2 - 9}{x - 7}
\][/tex]
First, substitute [tex]\( x = 9 \)[/tex] into the expression:
[tex]\[
\frac{9^2 - 9}{9 - 7}
\][/tex]
Calculate the numerator and the denominator separately:
- The numerator: [tex]\( 9^2 - 9 \)[/tex]
[tex]\[
9^2 = 81 \quad \text{so} \quad 81 - 9 = 72
\][/tex]
- The denominator: [tex]\( 9 - 7 \)[/tex]
[tex]\[
9 - 7 = 2
\][/tex]
Then, divide the numerator by the denominator:
[tex]\[
\frac{72}{2} = 36
\][/tex]
Thus, the value of the expression is [tex]\( 36 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[
36
\][/tex]
