Factoring in the derivative of a rational function Given that
$$
f(x) = \frac{x}{1+x^2}
$$
I have to find
$$\frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x-a}$$
So some progressing shows that:
$$
\frac{\left(\frac{x}{1+x^2}\right) - \left(\frac{a}{1+a^2}\right)}{x-a} =
\frac{(x)(1+a^2)-(a)(1+x^2)}{(1+x^2)(1+a^2)}\cdot\frac{1}{x-a} =
\frac{x+xa^2-a-ax^2}{(1+x^2)(1+a^2)(x-a)}
$$
Now, is it possible to factor $x+xa^2-a-ax^2$? I can't seem to find a way, as for simplifying the whole thing. Is there any rule I can use, and I'm unable to see?

Hint: you can guess that something interesting is going to happen near $x = a$, which suggests looking to factor $x-a$.
Indeed, $x + xa^2 - a - ax^2 = (x-a) + xa(x-a)$.
