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DIVIDING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

a+2/ a-3 divided by a+3/a-2

which one is the answer?

a. 4/9
b. a^2-4/ a^2-9
c. a+2/ a-2
d. a+3/ a-3

2 Answers

2 votes
(a + 2)/(a - 3) / (a + 3)/(a - 2)
When dividing fractions, keep the first term as it is, change the division to a multiplication, and change the second term to the reciprocal.
(a + 2)/(a - 3) * (a - 2)(a + 3)
The numerator and denominator are both a special product "sum and difference" so will multiply to give you a difference of perfect squares.
(a^2 - 4)/(a^2 - 9)
LETTER B
User Sayed Sohan
by
9.2k points
1 vote
The second is correct. To divide rational expressions, flip the second one around and multiply. 
User Markashworth
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8.1k points