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| Question 239034:  The whole rational equations has me stumped!  Can you please help with this one?
 Solve...
 3a-5/a^2+4a+3 + 2a+2/a+3 = a-3/a+1
 Answer by College Student(505)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Problem: 
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 It took me several steps to solve this problem.  Look carefully as you move through the steps.
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 First make eqn equal to zero:
 
  Now factor first denominator:
 
  I would also factor the second numerator.  You'll know why in a moment... it'll make our lives easier.
 
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 * In order to add fractions, we need common denominators, right?
 * We also know that any number multiplied by 1 is equal to itself, in other words, it doesn't change the original value.
 * Furthermore, we know that any number divided by itself is equal to 1, right?
 * So, in order to have equal denominators, we need to multiply the second fraction by
  and the third denominator by  . * This is how the new equation would look like:
 .
 
  Now in a more cohesive way:
 
  Since we now have the same denominator, we can group all numerators above one common denominator.
 
  Now perform multiplications, leave denominator as is.
 
  Distribute the negative sign in
  
  Multiply the 2 in
  
  Combine like terms:
 
  
   Now in standard form to make it easier to factor:
 
  
  Now simplify and you're done.
 
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 It's a long problem.  I hope you understood it and were able to follow it. :)
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