SOLUTION: Please help me add this rational expression. (a+7)/(a-4) + (9-5a)/(a-4)

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Question 200455: Please help me add this rational expression.
(a+7)/(a-4) + (9-5a)/(a-4)

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Add:
%28%28a%2B7%29%2F%28a-4%29%29%2B%28%289-5a%29%2F%28a-4%29%29 Since both fractions are over a common denominator, (a-4), you can add the numerators and put them over the common denominator:
%28a%2B7%2B9-5a%29%2F%28a-4%29 Now simplify the numerator.
%2816-4a%29%2F%28a-4%29 Factor a 4 from the numerator.
4%284-a%29%2F%28a-4%29 Rewrite the numerator: 4%2A%284-a%29+=+-4%2A%28a-4%29and substitute.
%28-4%2Across%28%28a-4%29%29%29%2F%28cross%28%28a-4%29%29%29 which leaves you with:
highlight%28-4%29 as your answer.