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?

Factor:
$$x+xa^2−a−ax^2=x-a-ax^2+xa^2=(x-a)-ax(x-a)=(1-ax)(x-a)$$
Thus, $$\frac{f(x)-f(a)}{x-a}=\frac{\frac{(1-ax)(x-a)}{(1+x^2)(1+a^2)}}{(x-a)}=\boxed{\frac{1-ax}{(1+x^2)(1+a^2)}}$$
