Algebraic fractions:

Summary of rules for dealing with fractions:

Simplifying fractions: Factorise numerator and denominator and cancel any common
factors. (Warning: Factors only! Parts of sums in the denominator can never be cancelled!)

Adding and subtracting:

 factorise all denominators
 find the l.c.m. (lowest common multiple) of all denominators
 extend each fraction to an equivalent fraction over the l.c.m.
 add/subtract all numerators over l.c.m.
 simplify result if possible
Note: Adding/subtracting is possible with other common denominators (e.g. product of all
denominators involved, sometimes called “cross multiplying” method in case of two
fractions being added/subtracted) but the use of the l.c.m. is the most efficient method.

a c ac a c a d ad
Multiplying and dividing: b *d = bd , b ÷d = b *c = bc

Risks:
() : Each algebraic factor should be put between brackets to avoid the risk of forgetting
terms when multiplying.
“–“: A neglected minus sign is the most common source for mistakes.

1. Express each fraction in its simplest form.

9 12 2 3x 5 x−10
a) b) c) d) 2 e)
12 30 2 x +4 x −7 x (x +1)(x −2)

2. Express each fraction as an equivalent fraction with the specified denominator.

4 ? 4 ❑ ? 4 4 16
Example: = , * 4 = , * =
5 20 5 20 5 4 20

1 ❑ 2 ❑ ❑ 2 ❑
a) = 32 b) = 9 c) 3 = 7 d) = 3( x+ 1)
8 3 3

1 ❑ 3 ❑
e) = 2 f) x+2 =
x x −x 4 ( x 2−4 )

3. Calculate the l.c.m. (lowest common multiple) of the denominators of the given fractions.
 1 2 1 1 1 3 x 3 xy 3
a) , b) , c) , d) , ,
7 3 6 4 2 x 2 y 2 x +2 xy

4. Calculate

1 2 1 1 1 3 x 3 xy 3
a) + b) + c) - d) + -
7 3 6 4 2 x 2 y 2 x +2 xy

5. Calculate

1 2 1 1 1 3 x 3 xy 3
a) * b) * c) * d) * *
7 3 6 4 2 x 2 y 2 x +2 xy

6. Calculate

1 2 1 1 1 3 x 3 xy
a) 7 ÷ 3 b) 6 ÷ 4 c) 2 ÷ x d) 2 y ÷ 2 x +2

1
x+ 5−
7. Express x+1 as a single fraction.

8. The net resistance,R, of two resistors, R1 and R2 , connected in parallel can be

1 1 1
obtain from the formula = + . Make R the subject of the formula.
R R1 R2

Solutions:

3 2 1 3 5
1. a) b) c) d) e)
4 5 x+2 x−7 x+1

4 6 21 2 x +2 x−1
2. a) b) c) d) e) f)
32 9 7 3 x +3 x2 −x
12 x−24
2
4 ( x −4)

3. a) 21 b) 12 c) 2x d) 2xy (x +1)

17 5 x−6 x3 + x 2 +3 x2 y 2−6 x−6

4. a) b) c) d)
21 12 2x 2 xy (x+ 1)

2 1 3 9x
5. a) b) c) d)
21 24 2x 4 ( x+1) y

3 2 x x+1
6. a) b) c) d)
14 3 6 3 y2
 x2 +6 x +4
7.
x +1

R1 R2
8. R =
R 1+ R 2