Expert: Jenny - 10/19/2004

Question
Im really stumped with this algebra problem. I've been trying to get the formula to solve this math problem for so long but I need help! This is the problem that has me in such a rut:

ADD:
(4/x^2+2x+1)+(3x/x+1)

I need assistance ASAP! Thanks Much  

Answer
Hi Emani,

Here's what you do. We need a common denominator to add these two fractions, right? So to make it easier, we'll factor the first denominator:  x^2+2x+1 = (x+1)^2  Now we know that to get a common denominator, we need to multiply the top and bottom of the second fracion by (x+1).

When we do this, we have:

3x(x+1)/(x+1)^2

Now we can add the two fractions together:

4+3x(x+1)/(x+1)^2

And we can also simplify the numerator:

4+3x^2+3x/(x+1)^2

Good luck! Remember that factoring a denominator is a good way to get these problems going.  And sorry for the delay, I haven't been receiving e-mails properly lately.