Michelle O.

asked • 03/30/16

Please help me solve 3x-2/4-9x^2 - 2x-5/3x^2-13x-10?

I know that the answer is -3x+10/3x^2-13x-10 but I need to know each step to get to that answer. I am especially confused that it is a negative fraction at the end. How do I get that? Please help. 

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Andrew M. answered • 03/30/16

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Mathematics - Algebra a Specialty / F.I.T. Grad - B.S. w/Honors

Michelle O.

Why did you factor a -1? I understand that you have to cancel out factors. But where in the rules does it say that you can factor in a negative when the value of the fraction wasn't already negative?
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03/30/16

Andrew M.

One can always factor out a -1.
2 = -(-2)
-7 = -1(7)
and so forth.
 
3x-2 = -1(-3x + 2)
 
I Factored out the negative 1
in the denominator in order to 
make the 2-3x= -1(3x-2) so
that I could then cancel out
the 3x-2 from the numerator 
and denominator
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03/30/16

Jaimie C. answered • 03/30/16

Tutor
4.9 (14)

Patient, Highly Experienced Algebra Tutor 7+ Years Experience

Michelle O.

Yes, that is what I meant. 
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03/30/16

Michelle O.

The first fraction's numerator is 3x-2 and its denominator is 4-9x2. 
The second fraction's numerator is 2x-5 and its denominator is 3x2-13x-10. 
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03/30/16

Michelle O.

I am subtracting the first fraction and the second fraction. 
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03/30/16

Andrew M.

Hi Michelle;
Look at the other answer.  I worked the
whole thing out and got the expected
answer.  Just let me know if there is
something you don't understand.  
Best of luck,
Andrew.
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03/30/16

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