Simplify (w^2-9)/(w^2-4w-21)

Rewrite ${\displaystyle 9}$ as ${\displaystyle 3^2}$.

Since both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, ${\displaystyle a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)}$ where ${\displaystyle a=w}$ and ${\displaystyle b=3}$.

Consider the form ${\displaystyle x^2+bx+c}$. Find a pair of integers whose product is ${\displaystyle c}$ and whose sum is ${\displaystyle b}$. In this case, whose product is ${\displaystyle -21}$ and whose sum is ${\displaystyle -4}$.

Write the factored form using these integers.

Cancel the common factor.

Rewrite the expression.