The Student Room Group
Reply 1
You need to make the denominators the same (just like you do with fractions just involving numbers). Multiply the top and bottom of each fraction by something to so this.
x(x-1) / (x+1)(x-1) - 2(x+1) / (x+1)(x-1) = 1
x(x-1) - 2(x+1) = (x+1)(x-1)
- 3x - 2 = - 1
3x + 2 = 1
x = -1/3
Reply 2
thinktank
Can someone please solve the equation:

x/x+1 - 2/x-1 = 1

Alsocould you please show me how you did it thanks.

See attachment.
Reply 3
thanks
Reply 4
Ok what you do first is basic cross multiplying
x(x-1)-2(x+1)/(x+1)(x-1)=1

multiply out the top line and times 1 by the bottom
x^2 - x -2x -2= (x+1)(x-1)

Tidy up a bit
x^2-3x-2= x^2-1
so
0=3x+1
therefore x= -1/3
If you check by subs x=-1/3 you get 1.
Reply 5
x/(x+1)-2/(x-1)=1

(x(x-1)-2(x+1))/(x2 -1) = 1

(x(x-1)-2(x+1)) =(x2 -1)

x2 -x -2x-2=x2 -1
0= 1+3x
x=-1/3

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