SOLUTION: I cant remember how to start this question: 1-49/x^2 ________ 7/x+1 should I multiply each side by the inverse of the denominator?

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Question 62247: I cant remember how to start this question:
1-49/x^2
________
7/x+1
should I multiply each side by the inverse of the denominator?
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
1-49/x^2
________
7/x+1
--------------
[1-(49/x^2)]/[7/(x+1)]
Simplify the numerator:
[(x^2)-49)/x^2]/[7/(x+1)]
Invert the denominator and multiply:
[(x^2)-49)/x^2]
There are no common factors you can cancel.
So, multiply the numerators and the denominators as is:
[(x^2-49)(x+1)]/7x^2]
Cheers,
Stan H.