# Math Help - how to solve equation

1. ## how to solve equation

3/(x-1) - 2/(x+1) = 2/x(^2) -1

Could someone please tell me how you solve that?

2. Originally Posted by JQ2009
3/(x-1) - 2/(x+1) = 2/x(^2) -1

Could someone please tell me how you solve that?
Hi JQ2009,

$\frac{3}{x-1}-\frac{2}{x+1}=\frac{2}{x^2-1}$

$\frac{3}{x-1}-\frac{2}{x+1}=\frac{2}{(x-1)(x+1)}$

Now, multiply each term by (x-1)(x+1) and continue from there.

3. Thanks but I am still confused.

I know that leaves you with 2 on the right hand side but what happens to the left?

4. Originally Posted by masters
Hi JQ2009,

$\frac{3}{x-1}-\frac{2}{x+1}=\frac{2}{x^2-1}$

$\frac{3}{x-1}-\frac{2}{x+1}=\frac{2}{(x-1)(x+1)}$

Now, multiply each term by (x-1)(x+1) and continue from there.
Originally Posted by JQ2009
Thanks but I am still confused.

I know that leaves you with 2 on the right hand side but what happens to the left?
$(x-1)(x+1)\left(\frac{3}{(x-1}\right)-(x-1)(x+1)\left(\frac{2}{x+1}\right)=(x-1)(x+1)\left(\frac{2}{(x-1)(x+1)}\right)$

$3(x+1)-2(x-1)=2$