How to express (4x)/(x^2-9)-2/(x+3)as a single fraction in its simplest form.

First we should be aware of the relationship bewteen the denominator of the two fractions. Since x^2-9=(x+3)(x-3), we can multiply (x-3) on both numerator and denominator of the fraction of 2/(x+3). Hence the fraction becomes 2(x-3)/(x+3)(x-3)=2(x-3)/(x^2-9). Therefore now we can substract it from the first fraction, becomes (4x)/(x^2-9)-2(x-3)/(x^2-9). Since the denominator is the same, so we can substact the numerator straightaway. And the next step will be [4x-2(x-3)]/(x^2-9)=(2x-6)/(x^2-9)=2(x-3)/(x^2-9). Be aware here that (x^2-9) can be split into (x+3)(x-3). This is a very common mistake. Hence devide (x-3) from both denominator and numerator and final answer will be 2/x+3.

Answered by Kexin Y. Maths tutor

3609 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

At t seconds, the temp. of the water is θ°C. The rate of increase of the temp. of the water at any time t is modelled by the D.E. dθ/dt=λ(120-θ), θ<=100 where λ is a pos. const. Given θ=20 at t=0, solve this D.E. to show that θ=120-100e^(-λt)


The curve C has the parametric equations x=4t+3 and y+ 4t +8 +5/(2t). Find the value of dy/dx at the point on curve C where t=2.


The numbers a, b, c and d satisfy the following equations: a + b + 3c + 4d = k; 5a = 3b = 2c = d. What is the smallest value for k for which a, b, c and d are all positive integers


Integrate ((5x^3) + ((2x)^-1) + (e^2x))dx.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences