How do you write 5/x-3 - 4/x+3 as a single fraction in its simplest form?

1 Answer
Jim G.
Jan 14, 2018

#(x+27)/((x-3)(x+3))#

Explanation:

#"before we can subtract the fractions we require them"#
#"to have a "color(blue)"common denominator"#

#"to ensure this "#

#"multiply numerator/denominator of "5/(x-3)" by "(x+3)#

#"multiply numerator/denominator of "4/(x+3)" by "(x-3)#

#rArr(5(x+3))/((x-3)(x+3))-(4(x-3))/((x-3)(x+3))#

#"now we can simplify the numerators leaving the denominator"#

#=(5x+15-4x+12)/((x-3)(x+3))#

#=(x+27)/((x-3)(x+3))#

Related questions
Impact of this question
3355 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License