Subtracting Rational Equations

XxBubbleGummxX said:
I need to simplify and state all the non permissible values for this equation:

2x/x^2-4 - 1/x-2
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If you've forgotten how to do this, you can refresh here. Otherwise, what have you tried and where are you stuck? Please be complete. Thank you! ;)
 
stapel said:
If you've forgotten how to do this, you can refresh here. Otherwise, what have you tried and where are you stuck? Please be complete. Thank you! ;)
Click to expand...

Ive tried doing it but I cant remember what to do after I've factored. and I've tried searching on google but I cant find anything that will help me.
 
XxBubbleGummxX said:
Ive tried doing it but I cant remember what to do after I've factored. and I've tried searching on google but I cant find anything that will help me.
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Okay. Well, if lessons (such as at the link I provided) that specifically teach how to "subtract rational expressions" leave you completely clueless, then clearly you need more help than can be provided online. You may want to consider hiring a qualified local tutor and setting aside an hour or two a day for concentrated face-to-face personalized instruction. With some luck and a lot of hard work, you should be able to cover this material in only a few weeks! ;)
 
XxBubbleGummxX said:
(2x)/(x^2 - 4) - 1/(x - 2)
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Hi Gumm:

When texting rational expressions, it's very important to place grouping symbols around numerators and denominators, to show others exactly what's in numerators versus what's in denominators.

Also, this is a tutoring web site. Please read this summary page of the posting guidelines.

Hint: Start by factoring any expressions that you recognize as factorable. Then look for cancellations.

Cheers :cool:
 
The link just sent me to the google page with "subtracting rational expressions" in the search bar :/
 
XxBubbleGummxX said:
The link just sent me to the google page with "subtracting rational expressions" in the search bar :/
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Yes. Khan Academy is shown on that page and is a great review site. Purplemath is also a good place to check out.

However, I am going to repeat what I said in a prior thread: letters and expressions just represent numbers and what you learned in arithmetic about numbers still applies.

Some of the things you learned about fractions way back when were to simplify where you can before doing a lot of work, the denominator can't be zero, and to subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator. Those exact same rules apply in algebra. How do you simplify: you factor and cancel.
 
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