Question 23939
{{{(b+17)/(b^2 - 1) - 1/(b+1) = (b-2)/(b-1)}}}

{{{(b+17)/((b-1)(b+1)) - 1/(b+1) = (b-2)/(b-1)}}}


mutliply all terms by (b+1)(b-1) and then cancel the denominators. You will be left with:


{{{(b+17) - (b-1) = (b-2)(b+1)}}}
{{{b + 17 - b + 1 = b^2 - b - 2}}}
{{{18 = b^2 - b - 2}}}
{{{b^2 - b - 20 = 0}}}
(b-5)(b+4) = 0
so either b-5=0 OR b+4=0
so either b=5 OR b=-4


jon