Question 93268
Hi,<br />

Just like normal fractions, with algebraic fractions you need to have a common denominator. When lookig for one, I suggest factorising as much as you can.<br />

*[tex x^2+4x+3 = (x+1)(x+3)] and *[tex x^2-9=(x+3)(x-3)] The lowest common denominator is going to be *[tex (x+1)(x+3)(x-3)].<br />

So we have to multiply the first fraction by *[tex (x-3)] and mutiply the second one by *[tex (x+1)]. This leaves us with:<br />

*[tex \frac{3(x-3)}{(x+1)(x+3)(x-3)} - \frac{x+1}{(x+1)(x+3)(x-3)}].<br />

Can you do the subtraction now? Make sure you check your answer by putting some values into it and checking it is what it should be.<br />

Kev