SOLUTION: I do not know where to begin: a^2+2a-24/a+1 divided by a^2-a-12/(a+1)^2 I think I should divided the top and bottom by a-1 but I am not really sure

Algebra ->  Complex Numbers Imaginary Numbers Solvers and Lesson -> SOLUTION: I do not know where to begin: a^2+2a-24/a+1 divided by a^2-a-12/(a+1)^2 I think I should divided the top and bottom by a-1 but I am not really sure      Log On


   

Question 134723: I do not know where to begin:
a^2+2a-24/a+1
divided by
a^2-a-12/(a+1)^2
I think I should divided the top and bottom by a-1 but I am not really sure
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Given: %28%28a%5E2%2B2a-24%29%2F%28a%2B1%29%29+%2F+%28%28a%5E2-a-12%29%2F%28a%2B1%29%5E2%29+
Multiply both top and bottom by (a+1) %28a%2B1%29%2F%28a%2B1%29
Given: %28%28a%5E2%2B2a-24%29%2F1%29+%2F+%28%28a%5E2-a-12%29%2F%28a%2B1%29%29+
Factor
+%28%28%28a%2B6%29%28a-4%29%29%2F1%29+%2F+%28%28%28a-4%29%28a-3%29%29%2F%28a%2B1%29%29+
The term %28a-4%29{ occurs on both the numerator and the denominator, so it cancels to 1
+%28%28%28a%2B6%29%29%2F1%29+%2F+%28%28%28a-3%29%29%2F%28a%2B1%29%29+
Now, as we did in the earlier problem, take the inverse of the denominator and multiply that times the numerator
+%28%28%28a%2B6%29%29%2F1%29+%2A+%28%28%28a%2B1%29%29%2F%28a-3%29%29+
Simplify
+%28%28a%2B6%29%28a%2B1%29%29%2F%28a-3%29+