Remind me how to: Simplify [ (x + 2) / (x - 4) ] - [ (x + 1) / (x + 4) ]

[Pudderpie]

Please show me how to do this step by step.

. . . . .\(\displaystyle \mbox{Simplify }\, \dfrac{x\, +\, 2}{x\, -\, 4}\, -\, \dfrac{x\, +\, 1}{x\, +\, 4}\)

I don't remember how to do these. I am preparing for my Math Placement exam as I'm returning back to college after many, many years.

 

[ksdhart2]

Well, it looks to me as if you've taken a screenshot of the website PurpleMath, specifically this page, which already contains a step-by-step guide to solving these types of problems. So, I'm not really sure as to with what you're asking for help. Do you perhaps not understand the process of finding the LCM of the two fractions? Or is it something else? The more specific you can be about exactly what's giving you troubles, the better we can tailor our advice to your needs.

 

[Pudderpie]

It doesn't explain how they get the answers. It makes no sense to me. I haven't done this stuff since 7th grade which was thirty years ago. LOL

 

[Pudderpie]

Well, it looks to me as if you've taken a screenshot of the website PurpleMath, specifically this page, which already contains a step-by-step guide to solving these types of problems. So, I'm not really sure as to with what you're asking for help. Do you perhaps not understand the process of finding the LCM of the two fractions? Or is it something else? The more specific you can be about exactly what's giving you troubles, the better we can tailor our advice to your needs.

Purple Math shows the progression of the problem, but doesn't explain how you get from A to B. Sorry I can't be that specific as this is foreign to me.

 

[stapel]

Purple Math shows the progression of the problem, but doesn't explain how you get from A to B. Sorry I can't be that specific as this is foreign to me.

Where does the worked explanation stop making sense?

Note: The lesson assumes that you've learned the background material which was taught in class first. For instance, it doesn't cover finding the Least Common Multiple because that would have been covered before reaching this topic. It doesn't explain how to multiply polynomials, factor quadratics, etc; in other words, we need to know at exactly which point in the complete solution you need further information. Then we can go backwards and help you learn the missing previous material. For now:

. . . . .LCM and GCF

. . . . .Adding Polynomials

. . . . .Multiplying Polynomials

. . . . .Simple Factoring

. . . . .Factoring Quadratics

. . . . .Special Factoring

. . . . .Rational Expressions

. . . . .Multiplying Rational Expressons

The above may be sufficient to prepare you for understanding what you're trying to do, which is:

. . . . .Adding Rational Expressions

Have fun!