2.

5 Simplifying algebraic fractions

10 a Expand and simplify each expression.

i (a-1)(a+1)
ii (a - 4)(a + 4)
iii (a + 9)(a - 9)
b What do you notice about your answers in part a?
c Write the simplified expansion of (a - 8)(a + 8).
d Write the simplified expansion of (a + b)(tt - b).

Challenge
11 Show that (x + 4)(x - 3) + r(5 - x) = 6(x - 2)
<1 12 a Expand and simplify i (.r + 6)r ii (.t + 5)(.t + 7)
I ln Ouestion 11 ,
b What do you notice about your answers to part a. i and ii? stad by working
<1 13 a Expand and simplily i (.r + 7)r ii (,x + 6)(,r + 8) with the left-
I
b What do you notice about your answers to palt a, i and ii? hand side of the
equation.
<1
\ 14 Try some examples of your own, similar to questions 12 and 13.
What general rules do you notice?
15 a Showthat(2x+ 1)(3x +2)-6x2+lx+2
b Expand and simplify
i (3x + 1)(4x + 5) ii (!y + 3)(2y - 5)

) 2.5 Simplifying algebraic fractions

Exercise 2.5 Key word
Throughout this exercise, give each answer as a fraction in its algebraic fraction
simplest form.

Focus
1 Copy and these calculations.

a
ll -r b
12 c
71
JJJ 55 71
d
114 e
t2 f
888 99 10 10

29