How do you subtract #6/(x+2)-(2x+3)/x#?

1 Answer
Jan 14, 2017

#-(2x^2+x+6)/(x(x+2))#

Explanation:

Before subtracting we require the fractions to have a #color(blue)"common denominator"#

This is achieved as follows.

#(6/(x+2)xxx/x)-((2x+3)/(x)xx((x+2))/((x+2)))#

That is, multiply the numerator/denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction and multiply the numerator/denominator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first fraction.

#=(6x)/(x(x+2))-((2x+3)(x+2))/(x(x+2))#

We now have a common denominator and can subtract the terms on the numerator.

#=(6x-(2x^2+7x+6))/(x(x+2))#

#=(6x-2x^2-7x-6)/(x(x+2))=(-2x^2-x-6)/(x(x+2))#

Take out a common factor of - 1 on the numerator.

#=-(2x^2+x+6)/(x(x+2))#