First, factor the denominator. The factors are (r+8)(r-6).
Next, Use synth. div. to determine whether either -8 or 6 is a solution of the numerator. For example:
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6 / 3 3 -168
18 126
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3 21 - 42 There's a remainder, so 6 is NOT a root.
Determine whether or not -8 is a root of the numerator. If it is, then (x+8) is a factor of both numerator and denominator of the original fraction, and this can be cancelled (but note that r can NOT = -8).