PDA

View Full Version : Stumped on an easy fraction problem..


AznBoi
Jan16-07, 07:00 PM
Here is the fraction that I don't know how to combine and simplify, please help me out! Thanks! =]

\frac{5}{a} + \frac{4}{2a-6} + \frac {-4a}{a^{2}-9}

I found the common denominator I think: (x+3)(x-3) .. but how do you make {a} in that form?

cristo
Jan16-07, 07:03 PM
If I write it as \frac{5}{a}+\frac{2}{(a-3)}-\frac{4a}{(a+3)(a-3)} does it help?

cristo
Jan16-07, 07:11 PM
Ok, I didn't see the bit you'd edited. The common denominator will be a(a+3)(a-3).

AznBoi
Jan16-07, 07:18 PM
oh ok, I knew there wasn't a way to make {a} into {(a+3)(a-3)}. Thanks for your help! =]

cristo
Jan16-07, 07:23 PM
You're very welcome!