Question

How do I simplify 3a/a+3 - (a-4)/a-2

Answer 1

Send the (a-4)/(a-2) to the other side.

3a/a+3 = (a-4)/(a-2)

3a/a + 3a/a = (a-4)/(a-2)

(3a+3)/ a = (a-4)/(a-2)

Then cross multiply.

(3a+3)(a-2) = (a-4)(a)

Solve.

3a^2 - 6a - 6 = a^2 -4a

Make everything come to one side.

2a^2 - 2 - 6 = 0

Factorise.

(2a +2)(a-3)= 0

Thus Either a = -1 or a= 3