Question

Can someone please help me to answer this math question? Please? I will fan and give a medal...
Please help me to simplify this Rational Expression -
3x-2 5x+1
------ + -----
6x 9x

Answer 1

You need to find a common denominator. What is the smallest number 6 and 9 have in common? It is 18. Since 6*3=18, you need to multiply the numerator by 3. For the right and side, 9*2 = 18, so you need to multiply the top by 2.

\[\frac{ 3(3x-2) }{ 18x }+\frac{ 2(5x+1) }{ 18x }\]

Now combine the two fractions to a single one and distribute:

\[\frac{ 3(3x-2) + 2(5x+1) }{ 18x }\]

\[\frac{ 9x-6 + 10x+2 }{ 18x }\]

Now simplify by adding like terms:

\[\frac{ 19x-4 }{ 18x }\]

Do you understand?