Question

can someone please help me.
The fraction 1 - 1/a over 1 - 1/a^2 is equal to
a) a^2 over a - 1
b) a over a-1
c) a^2 over a + 1
d) a over a + 1

Answer 1

d. a over (a+1)

Answer 2

can you please explain to me why?

Answer 3

(and actually, whoever made up the problem should have added ", assuming a not equal to 1" to (d))

Answer 4

Sure.

Answer 5

that's how it is written on the textbook.

Answer 6

Mult. top and bott. of orig fraction by a^2 to get

Answer 7

(a^2-a)/(a^2-1)

Answer 8

Bottom factors to (a+1)(a-1). The (a-1) cancels (top and bottom).

Answer 9

Leaving a/(a+1).

Answer 10

got it. thank you. :)