A2 Maths Question [Algebra]?
"Express:
5(x-3)(x+1)
_________
(x-12)(x+3)
minus
3(x+1)
_____
x-12
as a single fraction in its simplest form."
I have no idea where to even begin? Could somebody possibly show me how to work this out? Thanks!
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
multiply the second fraction by (x+3)/(x+3) (allowed as your basically multiplying it by 1)
5(x-3)(x+1) / (x-12)(x+3) - 3(x+1)(x+3) / (x-12)(x+3)
= (5(x-3)(x+1) - 3(x+1)(x+3)) / (x-12)(x+3)
= (5x² - 10x - 15 - 3x² - 12x - 9) / (x-12)(x+3)
= (2x² - 22x - 24) / (x-12)(x+3)
= (x-12)(2x+2) / (x-12)(x+3)
= (2x+2) / (x+3)