Question

How to simplify rational expressions​

Answer 1

Answer: (a - 1)/(3a - 2)

Step-by-step explanation:

First lets find a common factor in all of those numbers. We can factor out 'a'!

We're then left with (2a^2 + a - 3)/(6a^2 + 5a - 6)

Now we need to find some more factors.

Lets start at the top.

Factors of -3 are -1, 3, -3, 1

We can therefore factorize the top line to be:

(2a + 3)(a - 1)/(6a^2 + 5a -6)

Sweet! Now lets see if one of those two factors is a factor of the bottom line.

Factors of -6 are -1, 6, 2, -3, -2, 3, -6, 1

We can factorize the bottom line!

(2a + 3)(a - 1)/(3a - 2)(2a + 3)

Now to simplify

= (a - 1)/(3a - 2)

annnd we are done.