Question

(5a+2)/6a + (a+3)/3a can be simplified to become which of the following?

I know the answer is 7a+8/6a, but why?

Answer 1

multiply the top and bottom of the second polynomial by 2 so that you have the least common denominator. Then add the tops together to get the correct answer

Answer 2

You are adding:

5a + 2 a+3

------------ + ---------

6a 3a

The LCD here is 6a, so we must mult. numerator and denom. of the 2nd fraction by 2:

5a + 2 2(a+3) 7a + 8

------------ + --------- = -------------- Please note: either write this result as

6a 2(3a) 6a shown, or include parentheses in your

answer: (7a+8) / (6a)