document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=467456>Question 467456</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> I am having trouble.  I am in college algebra and we are having to simplify rational expressions.  The equation I have is a fraction:\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "5/(a-3)-2/(a^2-9)  I do not know how to get to the answer. I have to show my work, but I don't know what steps to take and my book is so confusing.  I don't want to cheat, I just genuinely want to understand, but am stuck. Please help!!! </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #320749 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=stanbon><B>stanbon(75887)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=stanbon><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/nopicture.jpg><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=320749\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> 5/(a-3)-2/(a^2-9) <BR>\n" );
document.write( "----<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Factor:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "[5/(a-3)] - [2/(a-3)(a+3)]<BR>\n" );
document.write( "----<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Least common denominator: (a-3)(a+3)<BR>\n" );
document.write( "----<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Rewrite each fraction with the lcd as its denominator:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "---<BR>\n" );
document.write( "= [5(a+3)/lcd] - [2/lcd]<BR>\n" );
document.write( "-----<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Combine the numerators over the common denominator:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "= [5a+15-2]/lcd<BR>\n" );
document.write( "-----------------------<BR>\n" );
document.write( "simplify:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "---<BR>\n" );
document.write( "= [5a+13]/[(a-3)(a+3)]<BR>\n" );
document.write( "==================================<BR>\n" );
document.write( "cheers,<BR>\n" );
document.write( "stan H.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "========== </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</TD></TR></TABLE>\n" );