Algebra: expressing answers in simplest form...

[Debbiesmith]

I need some help with the following problems:

1) 5x-3/6 - x+3/6; my answer is 2x-3/3 but I just needed some guidance...

2)y-2/y+3 - y/2y+6; my answer is y-2/y+3, again I need some guidance


AND LAST IS guidance for what values for x must be excluded for this fraction:

1) x-3/(4x-5)(x+1), my answer is 4/5, -1, 3... I am having problems factoring.

Thanks so much for any assistance that you could give me... Oh by the way I have been doing pretty well in graphing quadratic equations and word problems! :?

 

[skeeter]

I need some help with the following problems:

first bit of guidance ... use grouping symbols to make your expressions clear for those that read them

1) 5x-3/6 - x+3/6; my answer is 2x-3/3 but I just needed some guidance...

if you meant ...
(5x-3)/6 - (x+3)/6, then (2x-3)/3 is correct.

2)y-2/y+3 - y/2y+6; my answer is y-2/y+3, again I need some guidance

(y-2)/(y+3) - y/(2y+6) = (2y-4)/(2y+6) - y/(2y+6) = (y-4)/(2y+6)


AND LAST IS guidance for what values for x must be excluded for this fraction:

1) x-3/(4x-5)(x+1), my answer is 4/5, -1, 3... I am having problems factoring.

if the fraction is (x-3)/[(4x-5)(x+1)], then only x = 5/4 and x = -1 make the quotient undefined and must be excluded