Simplify x/(x + 2) + 2/(x + 2)

Step by step

The question

Question: add x/(x + 2) + 2/(x + 2).

1 Add the tops

The bottoms are already the same.

We add the tops.

The bottom stays.

Careful!

The bottoms are the same.

Only the tops are added.

The bottom stays.

Now one fraction: (x + 2)/(x + 2).

2 Cross out the same

We write the top as factors too: (x + 2).

The same bracket on top and bottom is 1.

Cross them out.

What is left is 1.

The bottoms can't be 0.

So x can't be −2.

3 Check

Let's check with a number: x = 1.

First in the question.

1/3 plus 2/3 is 1.

Now in our answer.

We get 1 too.

Both are 1.

So 1 is right!

Let's look back.

First: add the tops.

Then: cross out the same.

Last: check.