To simplify the given rational expression, we need to factor the numerator and see if there are any common factors with the denominator that can be canceled out. The numerator \(m^2 - 25\) is a difference of squares, which can be factored into \((m - 5)(m + 5)\). The denominator \(5 + m\) can be rewritten as \(m + 5\). After factoring, we can cancel the common factor in the numerator and the denominator.
Step 1: Factor the Numerator
The given rational expression is
\[
\frac{m^2 - 25}{5 + m}
\]
The numerator \(m^2 - 25\) is a difference of squares, which can be factored as:
\[
m^2 - 25 = (m - 5)(m + 5)
\]
Step 2: Rewrite the Denominator
The denominator can be rewritten as:
\[
5 + m = m + 5
\]
Step 3: Simplify the Expression
Now, substituting the factored numerator and rewritten denominator into the expression, we have:
\[
\frac{(m - 5)(m + 5)}{m + 5}
\]
We can cancel the common factor \(m + 5\) from the numerator and the denominator, provided \(m \neq -5\):
\[
= m - 5
\]
Final Answer
Thus, the simplified form of the rational expression is