How do you do this problem

(1/4x^2) - (x+1/x^2) = (1/2x^2)


I am just really confused in how to do this problem.

1/(4x^2) - (x+1)/x^2 = 1/(2x^2)

lowest common denominator is 4x^2:

1/4x^2 - 4(x+1)/4x^2 = 1(2)/4x^2

NOW drop denominators and solve using numerators.

1 - 4(x+1) = 1(2)

1 - 4x -1 = 2

-4x = 2 -1 + 1

-4x = 2

x = -2/4

x= -1/2

sub it back in to check.