How Do You Simplify Complex Fractions with Different Denominators?

[AznBoi]

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]

If I write it as $$\frac{5}{a}+\frac{2}{(a-3)}-\frac{4a}{(a+3)(a-3)}$$ does it help?

 

[cristo]

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

 

[AznBoi]

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

 

[cristo]

You're very welcome!