The LCD is the product of (x -2)(x + 1) To clear the fractions, multiply each term by the part of the LCD that the denominator is missing. x(x + 1) + (x - 2)(x - 1) = -1(x - 2)(x + 1) Distribute and foil, then combine like terms. x^2 + x + x^2 - 3x + 2 = -x^2 + x + 2 2x^2 - 2x + 2 = -x^2 + x + 2 add x^2 to both sides 3x^2 -2x + 2 = x + 2 subtract from both sides 3x^2 - 3x + 2 = 2 subtract 2 from both sides. 3x^2 - 3x = 0 Factor out the GCF 3x(x - 1) = 0 Set each factor equal to zero and solve. 3x = 0 x - 1 = 0 x = 0 x = 1
