# Help with adding rational expressions with unlike denominators

• October 19th 2012, 02:30 PM
sunshineflower
Help with adding rational expressions with unlike denominators
Hi! I'm new here! My name is Christina and I am currently in Algebra 2 in ninth grade.
The problem that I need help with is 2-a^2/a^2+a plus 3a+4/3a+3
I got 6+4a/3a(a+1) but I'm not sure if it's right.
Thanks!
• October 19th 2012, 02:46 PM
MarkFL
Re: Help with adding rational expressions with unlike denominators
You result is correct. Good work!(Cool)

1.) Post in the appropriate area. This forum is for things like abstract algebra, Galois theory, groups, rings, homomorphisms, etc. While I can certainly appreciate that any math may feel advanced while it is being learned, this isn't what is meant by advanced algebra here. I also see folks posting problems they feel are "complex" in the complex analysis forums. It is a common mistake, and I only tell you this as a means for you to get better help.

2.) Use bracketing symbols to clearly indicate the problem. For example, it would be more clear had you typed:

(2 - a^2)/(a^2 + a) + (3a + 4)/(3a + 3)

and for really nice formatting, look into using $\LaTeX$ and you can display it as:

$\frac{2-a^2}{a^2+a}+\frac{3a+4}{3a+3}$
• October 19th 2012, 02:56 PM
sunshineflower
Re: Help with adding rational expressions with unlike denominators
Thanks so much!! Yep, it will take a while to get used to this site. I will definitely look into using that! Thanks for your help!
(: