(3*a^(-1) - 3^(-1)*a)/(3 + a) =

Question

\frac{3*a^{-1} - 3^{-1}*a}{3 + a} =

A. (3 - a)/(3a)

B. (3 + a)/(3a)

C. 3a^(-2) + 1

D. 3a^2/(3 - a)

E. a/(1 + a)

Archit3110 · Answer

solve for expression ; m]\frac{3*a^{-1} - 3^{-1}*a}{3 + a} =

we get 
(3 - a)/(3a)
IMO A

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Simplifying the numerator, we have:

3 x 1/a - 1/3 x a

3/a - a/3 = 9/(3a) - a^2/(3a) = (9 - a^2)/(3a) = (3 + a)(3 - a)/(3a)

Bringing in the original denominator, we have:

/(3 + a)

= (3 - a)/(3a)

Answer: A

huongvo277 · Answer

\frac{3*a^{-1} - 3^{-1}*a}{3 + a}  =

\frac{3*\frac{1}{a}-\frac{1}{3}*a}{3+a}

Focus on top first and combine fractions - convert denominator

\frac{3}{a}-\frac{a}{3}

\frac{9}{3a}-\frac{a^2}{3a}

\frac{9-a^2}{3a}

Add back in original denominator

\frac{\frac{9-a^2}{3a}}{3+a}

\frac{9-a^2}{3a}*\frac{1}{3+a}

\frac{9-a^2}{3a(3+a)}

Apply quadratics

\frac{(3+a)(3-a)}{3a(3+a)}

\frac{3-a}{3a}

bumpbot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club BumpBot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

(3a^(-1) - 3^(-1)a)/(3 + a) =

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Problem Solving (PS) Questions