Reducing algebraic fractions

To reduce an algebraic fraction to lowest terms, first factor the numerator and the denominator; then cancel, (or divide out) common factors. Example 1: Reduce.

Warning: Do not cancel through an addition or subtraction sign as shown

here.

Multiplying algebraic fractions

To multiply algebraic fractions, first factor the numerators and denominators that are polynomials; then, cancel where possible. Multiply the remaining numerators together and denominators together. (If you've canceled properly, your answer will be in reduced form.) Example 2: Multiply.

Dividing algebraic fractions

To divide algebraic fractions, invert the fraction and multiply. Remember, you can cancel only after you invert. Example 3: Divide.

Adding or subtracting algebraic fractions

To add or subtract algebraic fractions having a common denominator, simply keep the denominator and combine (add or subtract) the numerators. Reduce if possible. Example 4: Perform the indicated operation.

To add or subtract algebraic fractions having different denominators, first find a lowest common denominator (LCD), change each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator, then combine each numerator. Reduce if possible. Example 5: Perform the indicated operation.

If there is a common variable factor with more than one exponent, use its greatest exponent. Example 6: Perform the indicated operation.

To find the lowest common denominator, it is often necessary to factor the denominators and proceed as follows. Example 7: Perform the indicated operation.

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Section 1 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions As pointed out in worksheet 2:1, we can use factoring to simplify algebraic expressions, and in particular we can use it to simplify algebraic fractions. Calculations using algebraic functions

are similar to calculations involving fractions. So when adding together fractions with di erent denominators, we must

rst

nd the lowest common multiple. Example 1 : a+b 2 2a 5 = 5(a + b) 5 2 2(2a) 2 5 = 5a + 5b 10 4a 10 = 5a + 5b 4a 10 = a + 5b 10 Example 2 : 3 2x y+1 3xy = 3y 3 3y 2x 2(y + 1) 2 3xy = 9y 6xy 2y + 2 6xy = 9y (2y + 2) 6xy = 9y 2y 2 6xy =

7y 2 6xyExample 3 : 2 y+1 + 3 y 1 = 2(y 1) (y + 1)(y 1) 3(y + 1) (y 1)(y + 1) = 2y 2 (y + 1)(y 1) 3y + 3 (y 1)(y + 1) = 2y 2 3y 3 (y + 1)(y 1) = y 5 (y + 1)(y 1) = (y + 5) (y + 1)(y 1) Sometimes it is di

cult to

nd a simple expression that is a multiple of two algebraic expressions. When this is the case it is perfectly acceptable to multiply the two expressions together even though this will not necessarily form the smallest common multiple. You should check at the end of the calculation in the

nal fraction that there are no common factors in the numerator and denominator; if there are, you can always cancel them to give an equivalent but simpler fraction. Exercises: 1. Simplify the following algebraic expressions: (a) x 3+ x 2 (b) m 7 m 5 (c) 4t 5+ t 2 (d) m+1 3 m2 4 (e) 3m+4 7+ m1 2 (f) y y+1 y y+3 (g) 5 t+1 + 4 t3 (h) 3m m+4 + 4m m+5 (i) 4 y+1 5

y+2 (j) 7 4x + 2 5xy Section 2 Multiplication and Division As in numerical fractions, the trick with simplifying the multiplication and division of algebraic fractions is to look for common factors both before and after calculation. Once common factors are cancelled out you get an equivalent fraction in its simplest form. Remember that dividing Page 2by a fraction is the same operation as multiplying by the reciprocal. That is 1 1 x =1 1 x =1 x 1 =x For example 1 1 6 means how many 6ths are in one whole? The answer is 6. Also, an algebraic expression in the numerator or denominator should be treated as if it were in brackets. For instance x+2 4 = (x + 2) 4 = x 2 4 Example 1 : x 2 x 8 = x 2

8 x = 8x 2x =4 Example 2 : 8 x+2 7 2x + 4 = 8 x+2 2x + 4 7 = 8 2(x + 2) 7(x + 2) = 16 7 =2 2 7 Example 3 : x+1 4y x+4 8y = x+1 4y x+4 8y = x+1 4y 8y x+4 = 8y(x + 1) 4y(x + 4) = 2(x + 1)

x+4 Pa