Question

Subtract simplify if possible.
5-v/v-8 - 9v-7/8-v

I can't do this no matter how I try i cannot figure out what the lcd is. I don't see where either denominator can be factored. WHat am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

8-v is the opposite of v-8, so 8-v = -(v-8)
now you have a common denominator

(5-v)/(v-8) - (9v-7)/(8-v)
= (5-v)/(v-8) <b>+</b> (9v-7)/(v-8)
= [5-v + 9v-7]/(v-8)
= (8v -2)/(v-8)

Answer 2

Once again you have come to my rescue. Thank you Reiny.