SOLUTION: I am having problems trying to solve rational expressions with different denominators I am completely lost as how to solve this problem please help me.Thank you. x-1

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I am having problems trying to solve rational expressions with different denominators I am completely lost as how to solve this problem please help me.Thank you. x-1       Log On


   

Question 37647: I am having problems trying to solve rational expressions with different denominators I am completely lost as how to solve this problem please help me.Thank you.
x-1 x+4
_____ + ________
x^- x- 12 x^+5x+6
the x^ like that mean that they are to the 2nd power Sorry but when I preview my question it gets jumbled up it should be x-1 over x to the 2nd power subract x subract 12 plus x+4 over x to the 2nd power plus 5x plus 6. Thank you again
Answer by longjonsilver(2297) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+%28%28x-1%29%2F%28x%5E2-x-12%29%29+%2B+%28%28x%2B4%29%2F%28x%5E2%2B5x%2B6%29%29+


now need to make the 2 denominators the same so we can then add the fractions...just like ANY fractions. The denominator needs to be (x-4)(x+3)(x+2). So:




+%28+%28%28x%5E2%2Bx-2%29+%2B+%28x%5E2-16%29%29%2F%28%28x-4%29%28x%2B3%29%28x%2B2%29%29+%29+
+%28+%282x%5E2%2Bx-18%29%2F%28%28x-4%29%28x%2B3%29%28x%2B2%29%29+%29+

At first glance, the numerator is not factorisable so leave it like this. Also, check my working just in case i have messed up: it is difficult keeping track of so much when written in code. But the process is correct.

jon