# simplifying Complex Fraction.

• September 17th 2011, 06:01 PM
simplifying Complex Fraction.
(4a/a^2-b^2) + (2/a-b) / (3/a-b)-(b/a^2-b^2) help plzz asap
• September 17th 2011, 06:57 PM
Quacky
Re: simplifying Complex Fraction.

$\frac{4a}{a^2-b^2}+\frac{\frac{2}{a-b}}{\frac{3}{a-b}}-\frac{b}{a^2-b^2}$

As it stands, the problem statement is extremely unclear.
• September 17th 2011, 07:17 PM
skeeter
Re: simplifying Complex Fraction.
... or this?

$\frac{\frac{4a}{a^2-b^2} + \frac{2}{a-b}}{\frac{3}{a-b}-\frac{b}{a^2-b^2}}$
• September 17th 2011, 08:28 PM
Re: simplifying Complex Fraction.
its the second one. sorry bout the unclarity, i dont know how to write equations on the internet. lol how fatuous of me. anywayz skeeter guessed it right so anyone care to explain? thanks
• September 17th 2011, 08:31 PM
Wilmer
Re: simplifying Complex Fraction.
Well, how far can you get on your own?
We don't know what you know or been taught.
Is this a problem from math class?
• September 18th 2011, 04:44 AM
HallsofIvy
Re: simplifying Complex Fraction.
Quote:

$\frac{\frac{4a}{a^2-b^2} + \frac{2}{a-b}}{\frac{3}{a-b}-\frac{b}{a^2-b^2}}$
Since $a^2- b^2= (a- b)(a+ b)$, $a^2- b^2$ is the least common denominator of all the fractions. Start by multiplying both numerator and denominator by $a^2- b^2$.
• September 18th 2011, 05:09 AM
Wilmer
Re: simplifying Complex Fraction.
May be easier (less confusing) to first let x = a^2 - b^2 and y = a - b.
Simplify as much as you can with those, then substitute back in;
easier for me, anyway!
• September 18th 2011, 06:45 AM
$\frac{\frac{4a}{a^2-b^2} + \frac{2}{a-b}}{\frac{3}{a-b}-\frac{b}{a^2-b^2}} \cdot \frac{a^2-b^2}{a^2-b^2} = \frac{4a + 2(a+b)}{3(a+b) - b}$