simplifying equation

[pxy2d1]

I have (a+1)(a-12)
---------------
-(a+1)(3a-1)

i need to simplify as much as possible.
can the two (a+1)'s cancel even though one of them is a minus. what about the other factors, do they simplify at all
thanks for your help

 

[Denis]

Yes, they cancel out:
(a - 12) / -(3a - 1)

Since -(3a - 1) means -1 times (3a - 1), then:
(a - 12) / (1 - 3a)

 

[sgtpepper]

actually,

the (a + 1)/-(a +1) cancel, but to -1

it's like saying 1/-1; that cancels to -1, right?

See for yourself:

http://instacalc.com/?d=&c=SSBhc3NpZ25l ... ssss&v=0.8