Question

How do I simplify: (5x + 3/x + 2) + (6x - 1/ -2 - x)?

Answer 1

shoot for that common deonominator

Answer 2

5x + 3 6x -1
------ + ------
x+2 -2 - x

Answer 3

once we get that we are happy =)

Answer 4

so how can we get both denominators to look a like

Answer 5

(10x)+(3/x)+(5/2) would be the most simplified form

Answer 6

I tried by I do this method:

-2 - x = -+2 -- x
= - (2-x)
= ?

Answer 7

factor out a -1

Answer 8

or just multiply both top and bottom by -1

Answer 9

so I multiply both top and bottom by -1 from the original problem?

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

do it to the one on the right... itll make it easier

Answer 12

ohhh..

Answer 13

=)

Answer 14

Did you get the answer?

Answer 15

I got
5x + 3 -6x + 1
------ + --------
x + 2 2+x

Answer 16

but that's only part of it. eek!

Answer 17

you know x+2 is the same as 2+x, so you have a common denominator.
so now add the tops, and divide the whole thing by the common denominator

Answer 18

ohhh.. it is? Then why is "x^2 - 4" and "4 - x^2" different?

Answer 19

a+b = b+a (that's the x+2 = 2+x example)
a-b does not equal b-a (that's the x^2 - 4 example)

Answer 20

example 2+3= 3+2 (yes, 5)
2-3 = -1
3-2 = +1
not equal

Answer 21

ohhh.. i see, i get it :P Thank you!

Answer 22

what's the answer?

Answer 23

- x + 4
-------
x+2

Answer 24

From the book??

Answer 25

both-- my answer and from the book.

Answer 26

ok
you could also write it as

4-x
----
x+2

Answer 27

why?

Answer 28

or
\[ -\frac{x-4}{x+2} \]

Answer 29

ohh..