Algebraic Fractions

Question 1

Simplify:

4a

8a²

Answer 1

4a/8a² = 2/4a = 1/2a

(Cancel)

Question 2

Simplify:

3a + b

3a

Answer 2

3a + b is one whole expression, so it doesn’t simplify!

Question 3

Simplify:

2x + 4y

6x + 12y

Answer 3

2x + 4y

6x + 12y

= 2(x + 2y)

6(x + 2y)

= 1(x + 2y)

3(x + 2y)

= 1/3

Question 4

Multiply:

a²/b x c/a

Answer 4

a²/b x c/a = a/b x c/1 = ac/b

Question 5

Divide:

ab/c² ≈ b²/c

Answer 5

= ab/c² x c/b²

= a/c x 1/b

= a/cb

Question 6

How do you add and subtract algebraic fractions?

Answer 6

1. Find the lowest common denominator and x the numerator by the number the denominator has been multiplied by. (NB: a and a² are not common denominators, so you have to x a and its numerator by a)
2. Add or subtract the fractions.