1/a + 1/c / a^2 - c^2 / ac

I am kinda lost on this one.

I have to simplify.

any help?

Jennifer, the reason you are getting a reply is that your post is confusing.

in the part < 1/c / a^2 > did you mean that to be triple-decker fraction?

Where is the primary division?

e.g. If I say 3/4/5 does it mean

3/4 ÷ 5 = (3/4)*(1/5) = 3/20 OR
3 ÷ (4/5) = 3*(5/4) = 15/4 , a different answer.

PLease clarify

yes it is a triple decker fraction

1/a + 1/c divided by

a^2 - c^2 divided by

ac

I need to simplify and I am stuck

2x(4x negative6x^2y)

To simplify the expression (1/a + 1/c) / (a^2 - c^2) / ac, we can follow a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Simplify the numerator
Combine the fractions in the numerator by finding a common denominator:
1/a + 1/c = (c + a) / (ac)
Now, rewrite the expression with the simplified numerator:
[(c + a) / (ac)] / (a^2 - c^2) / ac

Step 2: Simplify the denominator
The denominator (a^2 - c^2) is a difference of squares, which can be factored:
a^2 - c^2 = (a - c)(a + c)
Now, rewrite the expression with the factored denominator:
[(c + a) / (ac)] / [(a - c)(a + c)] / ac

Step 3: Simplify further
To divide by a fraction, we multiply by its reciprocal. So, multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator:
[(c + a) / (ac)] * [ac / (a - c)(a + c)]

The 'ac' terms in the numerator and denominator cancel out, leaving us with:
(c + a) / (a - c)(a + c)

And that's the simplified form of the expression (1/a + 1/c) / (a^2 - c^2) / ac.