Name: _________________________ Date: __________

Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

To find the excluded value(s) of an algebraic fraction:

1. Set the denominator equal to zero
2. Solve
3. Remember: Don’t simplify first, or you might not see all your excluded values!
Examples:
3 2
3x 3 x −9 x
1. 12x 2. x−3

k +1 x 2−25
2
3. k −4 k−5 4. x 2 + 10 x +25

Practice: For each expression, (1) find the excluded values; (2) simplify if possible.
2
5m 6 x 3 + 12 x
5. 15m 6. x2 +2

3n x +3
2
7. n−2 8. x −2 x−15
Name: _________________________ Date: __________