Find the difference. (6/x-2)-(12/x^2-4)

Question

Find the difference.   (6/x-2)-(12/x^2-4)

anonymous · Answer

my answer was 6(x-4)/(x+2)(x-2). i think its wrong, can somebody check it?

mertsj · Answer

6/(x - 2) - (12/X^2-4)  common denominator is (x-2)(x+2)  

6(x+2)/(x-2)(x+2) - 12/(x-2)(x+2) = 6x+12-12?(x-2)(x+2) = 6x/(x-2)(x+2)

anonymous · Answer

i thought you had to distribute x-2. so doesnt the first part become 6x-12/x+2 x-2??

anonymous · Answer

oh damn i made a mistake writing it. lol

anonymous · Answer

the first part is really 6/x+4

mertsj · Answer

No.  The first fraction is 6/(x-2)  so to write it with the common denominator the numerator and denominator both must be multiplied by (x+2)  and 6(x+2) is 6x+12

anonymous · Answer

(6/x+2)-(12/x^2-4)   thats the proper equation :P

mertsj · Answer

So now the top is 6(x-2) -12 or 6x-24

anonymous · Answer

thats how i got 6(x-4)/(x+2)(x-2)

mertsj · Answer

So your original answer is correct.  You have factored the 6x-24

anonymous · Answer

i just felt something was wrong. usually something ends up cancelling itself out :\ ill plug it in and see

anonymous · Answer

yay its right :D