SOLUTION: I'm having difficulty solving the following quadratic equation: (a-2 / a+2) - (a+2 / a-1) = (a^2-32 / a^2+a-2) By finding the common denominator, I was able to reduce this eq

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: I'm having difficulty solving the following quadratic equation: (a-2 / a+2) - (a+2 / a-1) = (a^2-32 / a^2+a-2) By finding the common denominator, I was able to reduce this eq      Log On


   

Question 33304This question is from textbook Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide
: I'm having difficulty solving the following quadratic equation:
(a-2 / a+2) - (a+2 / a-1) = (a^2-32 / a^2+a-2)
By finding the common denominator, I was able to reduce this equation down to:
a^2+7a=30
But at this point I am stuck. How do you proceed to get to the two values for a? I know you have to add something to both sides, and isn't it supposed to be half of the middle term squared? (7/2)^2 ? The book just provides the two final solutions for a without telling you how it got them.
Thanks for your help! This question is from textbook Practical Algebra: A Self-Teaching Guide

Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A~2+7A=30 OR A~2+7A-30=0M OR (A+10)(A-3)=0 OR A=-10 & A=3