Algebraic fractions

Algebraic fractions

  • Simplifying an algebraic fraction is just like simplifying a normal fraction

Golden rule

  • If the top or the bottom of the fraction has more than one term, you will need to factorise before simplifying

Operations on algebraic fractions

  • To add or subtract algebraic fractions with different denominators
      * Find a common denominator
      * Add or subtract the numerators
      * Simplify if possible
        * The smallest common denominator isn’t always the product of the two denominators
        * You can use a common denominator to simplify the expressions
  • To multiply fractions
      * Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators
      * Simplify if possible
  • To divide fractions
      * Change the second fraction to its reciprocal
      * Change / to x
      * Multiply the fractions and simplify