Simplify each expression

Question

3/x-1 + 5/x+1

Answer 1

Multiply the first term by (x+1)/(x+1), which is the same thing as 1  (2/2=1 (x+5/(x+5)=1)

 

You should be left with

 

3(x+1)/(x²-1) for the first term

 

Multiply the second term by (x-1)/(x-1) following the same logic

 

You should be left with

 

5(x-1)/(x²-1) 

 

This gives both terms a common denominator so they can be added together

 

The numerator will be

 

3(x+1)+5(x-1)

 

which simplifies to 

 

3x+3+5x-5 = 8x-2

 

Final Answer

 

(8x-2)/(x²-1)

Answer 2

Have you tried putting the fractions over a common denominator so you can add them together?