a + 3/a^2 – 9 ÷ 4a + 12/5a – 15?

Question

Perform the indicated operation:

a + 3/a^2 – 9 ÷ 4a + 12/5a – 15

Write the answer in lowest terms.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to use parentheses when transposing to Yahoo answers single line format. Your expression should look like this:
[(a+3)/(a^2-9)]/[(4a + 12)/(5a - 15)]
Invert and multiply:
= [(a+3)/(a^2-9)]x[(5a - 15)/(4a + 12)]
Factor:
= [(a + 3)/((a + 3)(a - 3))]x[5(a - 3)/(4(a + 3)]
Cancel like terms:
= 5/4(a + 3)