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