Simplyfing like terms in an algebraic equation question

[yo4561]

I am trying to understand the rules around converting fractions to be on like terms to simplify them.

I have this made up example: If A does not equal 0 and A + (A^2 - 2)/A = A/B, then A =?

I see how you would multiply both sides by B to solve. But what if you tried to put the left side on like terms first?

I got stuck because I would think to do A^2/A + (A^2-2)/A = A/B....

Before I go further, do I have to do something to the other term on the left side of the fraction (the A^2-2)/A and what about the A/B, or am I allowed to just manipulate the A to a like fraction to then simplfy the left side of the equation?

Many thanks in advance

[Whit Garner]

Hi!

In your example, your idea to rewrite the A as the fraction A^2/A is a great idea - from there you could combine the two fractions on the left to get:

(A^2 + A^2 - 2)/A = A/B

From there you could cross multiply and then simplify. Having that one B term is going to make things less pretty, but you're on the right track!


Whit