Math 120

Section 6.2 Adding & Subtracting Rational

Expressions.

Adding or Subtracting when the denominators are the same:

Step 1)Always start by factoring the denominators.

Step 2) Combine the fraction.

Step 3) Combine like terms in the numerator.

Step 4)You now have a rational expression. Try to simplify the rational expression by
factoring the numerator. Can you cross cancel anything?

Find the LCD:

Create table:

List each denominator: Factor Completely “Missing Factors”

Adding or Subtracting when the denominators are different.

Step 1) Always start by factoring the denominators.

Step 2) Find the LCD (this is side work).

Step 3) Rewrite the fractions, so each denominator matches the LCD.

• Make sure clean up the numerator by multiplying and combining

like terms.
• Keep the denominators factored.

Step 4) You now have the same denominators, so combine the fractions.

Step 5) Combine like terms in the numerator.

Step 6) You now have a rational expression. Try to simplify the rational expression by
factoring the numerator. Can you cross cancel anything?