How to Simplify a Rational Function

[LoA]

Homework Statement

u^2
---------------
u^2 - 4

Homework Equations

I am told that this is equal to

1+ 4/u^2 - 4

The Attempt at a Solution

No clue how these two are related. Factor out a u^2/u^2? But that alters the denominator. My next that is partial fraction decomp. Am I on track?

 

[eumyang]

Use polynomial long division. Or, note that in the numerator,
$u^2 = \left( u^2 - 4 \right) + 4$.

 

[micromass]

It would help us very much if you would type your equations in LaTeX. Here's an FAQ on the topic: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3977517&posted=1#post3977517