In this section, we will learn how to add and subtract algebraic fractions.

B. Addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions

Adding and subtracting algebraic fractions

Express each of the following as a fraction in its simplest form.
2 3 3 2 2h 3k
(a) + (b) + (c) −
5
3a 5a 2b − 4c 3b − 6c h − 2k 2k − h

2 3 10 9
(a) + = + convert to equivalent fractions: LCM of 3a and 5a is 15a
3a 5a 15a 15a
10 + 9
= combine into a single fraction
15a
19 Attention
=
15a
We can write 2a as 2 a but
3 3
2 ≠ 2 a.
3a 3

3 2 3 2 extract the common factor 2 from 2b – 4c

(b) + = +
2b − 4c 3b − 6c 2(b − 2c ) 3(b − 2c ) and the common factor 3 from 3b – 6c
9 4 convert to equivalent fractions:
= +
6(b − 2c ) 6(b − 2c ) LCM of 2(b – 2c) and 3(b – 2c) is 6(b – 2c)
9+4
= combine into a single fraction
6(b − 2c )
13
=
6(b − 2c )

2h 3k 2h 3k Attention
(c) − = −
h − 2k 2k − h h − 2k − ( h − 2k )
3k
2h 3k −
− ( h − 2k )
= h −3k2k
= +
h − 2k h − 2k
2h + 3k
= combine into a single fraction
h − 2k

5 1. Express each of the following as a fraction in its simplest form.

Similar and 6 3 4 7 h 3h
(a) + (b) − (c) −
Further Questions 5a 8a 2b + 3c 6b + 9c 2 − 3k 3k − 2
Exercise 1B
Questions 1(a)–(f), 2. Express each of the following as a fraction in its simplest form.
4(a)–(h) 3p 5 p − 2q 7y
2m+3n m −n 5x
(a) − (b) − (c) −
3m 6n 4 p − 4q 3p − 3q 4x − 3y 6 y − 8x

Adding and subtracting more complicated algebraic fractions

Express each of the following as a fraction in its simplest form.
3 1 5y 2
(a) + (b) 2 −
6
x +5 x −3 y −4 y−2

P
A
G
E
8 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
 3 1 3( x − 3) x +5 convert to equivalent fractions:
(a) + = +
x + 5 x − 3 ( x + 5 )( x − 3) ( x + 5 )( x − 3) LCM of x + 5 and x – 3 is (x + 5)(x – 3)
3( x − 3) + x + 5
= combine into a single fraction
( x + 5 )( x − 3)
3x − 9 + x + 5
= Distributive Law
( x + 5 )( x − 3)
4x − 4
=
( x + 5 )( x − 3)
5y 2 5y 2 factorise the denominator y2 – 4 using
(b) − = −
y − 4 y − 2 ( y + 2 )( y − 2 ) y − 2
2
a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)
5y 2( y + 2 ) convert to equivalent fractions: LCM of
= −
( y + 2 )( y − 2 ) ( y + 2 )( y − 2 ) (y + 2)(y – 2) and y – 2 is (y + 2)(y – 2)
5 y − 2( y + 2 )
= combine into a single fraction
( y + 2 )( y − 2 )
5y − 2y − 4
= Distributive Law
( y + 2 )( y − 2 )
3y − 4
=
( y + 2) ( y − 2)

6 Express each of the following as a fraction in its simplest form.

Similar and 2 3 2 y
(a) − (b) 2 −
Further Questions x +1 2x − 5 y −9 y −3
Exercise 1B
1 1 2z 4 7
Questions 2(a)–(h), (c) − + (d) –
5(a)–(f), z + 5 z − 5 z 2 − 25 w + 5 w 2 + 8w + 15
6(a)–(d), 8

Adding and subtracting algebraic fractions with common factors in the

denominator and numerator
3( x + 2 ) 1
(a) Ali was asked to simplify − .
7 x2 − 4 x − 2
He said that to convert to like fractions, the LCM of the denominators was x – 2.
3( x + 2 ) 1
Do you agree? Explain why and thus simplify 2 − .
x −4 x−2
(b) Vasi said that the LCM can also be taken as x2 – 4. Show that Vasi’s method is also
correct.

3( x + 2 )
(a) The fraction can be further simplified, before finding the LCM of the
x2 − 4
3( x + 2 ) 3( x + 2 )
denominators to convert to like fractions. Since 2 =
x −4 ( x + 2 )( x − 2 )
3
= ,
x−2
I agree with Ali that the LCM is x – 2.

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
9 A
G
E
 3( x + 2 ) 1 3( x + 2 ) 1 factorise the denominator x2 – 4 using
− = −
2
x −4 x − 2 ( x + 2 )( x − 2 ) −2
x a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)
1
3(x + 2) 1
= −
(x + 2)(x − 2) x − 2
1
3 1
= −
x−2 x−2
2
=
x−2

3( x + 2 ) 1 3x +6 – x+2
(b) − = 2
x −4 x−2 x − 4 ( x + 2 )( x − 2 )
2

3x +6− ( x + 2)
=
x2 −4
=
3x +6− x − 2
x2 −4
2x + 4
= 2
x −4
2( x + 2 ) extract the common factor 2 from the numerator
= and factorise the denominator using
( x + 2 )( x − 2 ) a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)
2
=
x−2

Attention
7 2( x + 3 ) 1
Yasir was asked to simplify + .
Similar and x2 − 9 x + 3 If each fraction is not first
simplified, we have to factorise
Further Questions He said that to convert to like fractions, the LCM of the
the expression obtained after
Exercise 1B denominators was x2 – 9. addition or subtraction.
Questions 9, 10
2( x + 3 ) 1
Do you agree? Explain why and thus simplify 2 + .
x −9 x +3

When adding and subtracting algebraic fractions, what must I do to the expressions in the numerators and/or
denominators before finding the LCM of the denominators to combine them into a single fraction?

1.4 Solving equations involving algebraic fractions

After learning how to perform the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on algebraic
fractions in Sections 1.2 and 1.3, we shall learn how to solve equations involving algebraic fractions.

P
A
G
E
10 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
 Solving equations involving algebraic fractions
Solve each of the following equations.
a − 2 a −1
(a) + =1
8
5 3
6 4
(b) − =0
2b − 5 b − 3

(a) Method 1:
a – 2 a –1
+ =1
5 3
3( a – 2 ) 5( a –1)
+ =1 convert fractions on LHS to equivalent fractions
15 15
3( a – 2 ) + 5( a –1)
=1 combine fractions on LHS into a single fraction
15
3a –6 + 5a –5
=1
15
8a –11
=1
15
8a – 11 = 15 multiply both sides by 15
8a = 26
1
a=3
4
Method 2:
a − 2 a −1
+ =1
5 3
3(a – 2) + 5(a – 1) = 15 multiply both sides by the LCM of 5 and 3, i.e. 15
3a – 6 + 5a – 5 = 15
8a – 11 = 15 Reflection
8a = 26 (a) Which method do you
1
a=3 prefer? Why?
4
(b) Method 1:
6 4
– =0
2b − 5 b − 3
6(b – 3) – 4(2b – 5) = 0 multiply both sides by the LCM of 2b – 5 and b – 3,
i.e. (2b – 5)(b – 3)
6b – 18 – 8b + 20 = 0
–2b + 2 = 0
–2b = –2
b=1

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
11 A
G
E
 Method 2:
6 4 Recall
– =0
2b − 5 b − 3
We learnt how to solve this in
6 4
= Book 1.
2b − 5 b − 3
6(b – 3) = 4(2b – 5) multiply both sides by the LCM of 2b – 5 and b – 3,
i.e. (2b – 5)(b – 3) Reflection
6b – 18 = 8b – 20 (b) Which method do you
6b – 8b = –20 + 18 prefer? Why?
–2b = –2 Is it possible to apply
Method 2 to (a)? Why?
b=1

8 Solve each of the following equations.

Similar and a − 3 2a −1 3 5
(a) + =4 (b) − =0
Further Questions 2 7 2b + 3 3b − 4
Exercise 1B
Questions 3(a)–(g),
7(a)–(e), 11

1B

1. Express each of the following as a fraction in its 3. Solve each of the following equations.
simplest form. a 3 1 2
(a) = (b) =
7 4 3 1 5 a+2 5 b−2 b −1
(a) + (b) + − 4 3 5 2
6a 9a 2b 3b 6b (c) − =0 (d) − =0
1 1 f − 4h 2 f − 5h c+3 c+2 d+4 d−2
(c) − (d) − 6 10 5 6 9
3c 3d 3k 8k (e) − =2 (f) + − =4
4a 3a f 3f 6h 7h 14h
(e) + 3 1
x − 3y 3x − 9y (g) − =5
p + 3 p −1 2p +1 k +1 2k + 2
(f) + −
2z 6z 3z
4. Express each of the following as a fraction in its
simplest form.
2. Express each of the following as a fraction in its
5 4 c −1 1
simplest form. (a) + (b) −
2 ( a − b ) 3( b − a ) 3c − 7 14 − 6c
5 3 1 3 4f
(a) + (b) − 2d u +1 u+2
a a+4 2b b + c (c) + (d) −
10 f − 5d 6 f − 3d 2u − 8 12 − 3u
4 2 2 3
(c) + (d) − 2m − 5 m + 3 h + k 3h + k
d − 5 2d + 3 f + 5 f −1 (e) − (f) +
9n − 6 4 − 6n p − q 8q − 8 p
11 2 3 2
(e) + (f) + 5x 2 2x 2
3h − 7 6 − 5h k 2 −1 k −1 (g) −
3 5 2 3 6x − 6 y 3y − 3x
(g) − (h) + 3x 2x 5
2
4m −1 2m +1 n − 2 (n − 2 )2 (h) − +
4 y − 2z z − 2 y 3z − 6 y

P
A
G
E
12 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
 1B
1 2
+
3x y
5. Express each of the following as a fraction in its 8. Express as a fraction in its simplest form.
2
simplest form. x
3a 4a
(a) +
3a − 5 4a −1 9. Albert and Joyce were both asked to simplify
5 2b b−2 b
(b) − + .
2b +1 ( 2b +1)2 2
b − 5b + 6 b + 3
h+5 3 Both students were able to factorise b2 – 5b + 6 to
(c) −
h − 6h h − 6
2
get (b – 2)(b – 3).
1 2 3 b−2
(d) + + Albert simplified 2 before converting to
m m−4 m−3 b − 5b + 6
x + y x 2 − 4 y 2 x − 3y like fractions, whereas Joyce converted to like
(e) + −
x − y x2 − y2 x+y fractions directly.
1 2 18 Who do you think will be able to simplify
(f) − + b−2 b
2z − 3 3− 2z 9 − 4z 2 + in a fewer number of steps?
b 2 − 5b + 6 b + 3
6. Express each of the following as a fraction in its Explain why.
simplest form.
2 3 2a + 7
(a) + 2 10. Given that is the end result of the sum
a + 3 a + 4a + 3 a 2 + 3a + 2
1 b
(b) 2 − P R
b − 5b − 6 b − 6 of two algebraic fractions, and 2 ,
1 2p Q a + 3a + 2
(c) +
2p − 8 p −10 p − 5
2
write down possible expressions for P, Q and R.
x 4 3x
(d) + − 1 1
x + y x 2 + 3xy + 2y 2 x + 2 y +
x y 4 y
11. Given that = , find the value of .
7. Solve each of the following equations. 2 3 x
5 3 x
(a) 2 − =1
x+2 5
7x − 4 x −1 3x −1 7 + x
(b) + = −
15 3 5 10
x +1 1 1
(c) + =
5x −1 2(1− 5x ) 4
x +1 4 3
(d) − − =1
2x −1 4x − 2 6x − 3
3 5 1
(e) + − =4
2 − x 4 − 2x x − 2

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
13 A
G
E
 1.5 Manipulating algebraic formulae

A. Changing subject of formula

From the Introductory Problem, we realised that we can find the value of v by substituting f = 20 and u = 1000 into
1 1 1
the formula = + , and then manipulate the equation to isolate v on the left-hand side in order to find the value
f u v
of v:
1 1 1
= +
20 1000 v
1 1 1
= –
v 20 1000
50 –1
=
1000
49
=
1000
1000
v=
49
= 20.4 (to 3 s.f.)
However, if we want to find the values of v for different pairs of values of f and u, it becomes very troublesome to
keep manipulating the equation as such.
Instead, it will be easier to make v the subject of the formula:
1 1 1
= +
f u v
1 1 1
= –
v f u
u–f
=
fu
fu
v=
u–f
We can then obtain v directly by substituting the values of f and u into the above formula.

Changing the subject of formula

(i) Make l the subject of the formula P = 2l + 2b. Attention
(ii) Hence, calculate the value of l when P = 132 and b = 30. Changing the subject of a

9 formula is very similar to using

inverses of operations to solve
mathematical equations.
(i) P = 2l + 2b
Therefore we must remember
P – 2b = 2l + 2b – 2b subtract 2b from both sides to the following rules:
isolate the term containing l • adding and subtracting are
P – 2b = 2l inverses of one another;
• multiplying and dividing are
P − 2b 2l inverses of one other;
= divide by 2 on both sides
2 2 • when using inverses we must
P − 2b perform the same operation
l= on both sides of the formula.
2
P
A
G
E
14 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
 (ii) When P = 132, b = 30,
132 − 2( 30 )
l=
2
132 − 60
=
2
72
=
2
= 36

9 1. (i) Make a the subject of the formula v = u + at.

Similar and (ii) Hence, find the value of a when t = 4, u = 10 and v = 50.
Further Questions
Exercise 1C 2. The simple interest $I payable on an investment is given by Big Idea
Questions 1(a)–(d),
PRT Functions and Models
6(a)–(d) I= , where $P is the principal, R% is the interest rate
100 The simple interest formula is
on the investment per annum and T is the number of years an example of how an algebraic
equation, which expresses the
that the investment is held.
relationship between different
PRT variables, can model a real-world
(i) Make T the subject of the formula I = .
100 situation. Through manipulation,
(ii) Hence, find the number of years that an initial the formula can be rewritten in
different but equivalent equations
investment of $50 000 must be held in a bank that pays with different variables as the
simple interest at a rate of 2% per annum to earn an subject. This allows for easy
interest of $4000. predictions of various values in
different situations.

1. Why do we need to change the subject of a formula?

2. What is the difference between a formula and an equation?

Changing the subject of formula involving algebraic fraction

2− x
(i) Rearrange the formula y = to make x the subject.
3+ 2x

10
(ii) Hence, calculate the value of x when y = –2.

2− x
(i) y=
3+ 2x
2− x
(3 + 2x) × y = ( 3+ 2x ) ×
3+ 2x
y(3 + 2x) = 2 – x
3y + 2xy = 2 – x
3y + 2xy + x = 2 – x + x
3y + 2xy + x = 2
3y – 3y + 2xy + x = 2 – 3y
2xy + x = 2 – 3y
x(2y + 1) = 2 – 3y
Problem-solving Tip
To change the subject of a
multiply by 3 + 2x formula involving algebraic
fractions, e.g. to x, we need to
on both sides
manipulate the equation such
that all the terms with x are
Distributive Law on the LHS. Then, factorise
add x to both sides the expression on the LHS if
necessary and divide both sides
subtract 3y from of the equation such that x is
isolated on the LHS.
both sides
extract the common factor x on the LHS

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
15 A
G
E
 x ( 2y +1) 2 − 3y
= divide by 2y + 1 on both sides
2y +1 2y +1
x = 2 − 3y
2y +1
(ii) When y = –2,
2 − 3( −2 )
x=
2( −2 ) +1
2+6
=
−4 +1
8
=−
3

10 2x + 5
1. (i) Rearrange the formula y = to make x the subject.
Similar and
3x − 7
Further Questions (ii) Hence, find the value of x when y = –3.
Exercise 1C
bx 2
Questions 2(a)–(d), 2. (i) Rearrange the formula p = a + to make k the subject.
7(a)–(d), 8
3k
(ii) Hence, find the value of k when a = 1, b = –2, p = 3 and x = 9.

Changing the subject of formula involving cube root

It is given that 3 ax + b = k.
(i) Express x in terms of a, b and k.
11 (ii) Hence, calculate the value of x when a = 4, b = 3 and k = –1.
(iii) For x to be defined, a ≠ t. State the value of t.

(i) 3
ax + b = k
ax + b = k3 take the cube on both sides
ax + b – b = k3 – b subtract b from both sides
ax = k3 – b
ax k 3 − b
= divide by a on both sides
a a
3
k −b
x=
a

(ii) When a = 4, b = 3, k = –1,

x=
( −1)3 − 3
4
−1− 3
=
4
−4
=
4
= –1
(iii) For x to be defined, a ≠ 0.
t=0

P
A
G
E
16 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
 11
1. It is given that 3y = b 2 − 4ax .
Similar and (i) Express x in terms of a, b and y.
Further Questions
Exercise 1C
(ii) Hence, find the value of x when a = –5, b = 4 and y = 2.
Questions 3(a)–(d), (iii) For x to be defined, a ≠ t. State the value of t.
9(a)–(d),
bx 2
10–12 2. (i) Rearrange p = a + to make x the subject.
3k
(ii) Hence, find the values of x when a = –1, b = 2, k = 1 and p = 5.
(iii) Given that 3k(p – a) < 0, suggest a possible value of b such that x is defined.

B. Finding the value of an unknown in a formula

Finding the value of an unknown in a formula without changing the subject of the
formula
64
Given that y = ,
12
3x +1
(a) calculate
(i) the value of y when x = 1,
(ii) the value of x when y = 2,
1
(b) explain if it is possible to have a value of y if x < – .
3

(a) (i) When x = 1, (ii) When y = 2,

64 64
y= 2=
3(1) +1 3x +1
64
64 4= take the square on both sides
= 3x +1
3+1
4(3x + 1) = 64
64 3x + 1 = 16
=
4 3x = 15
= 16 x=5
=4

1 64 1 64
(b) If x = − , 3x + 1 = 0 and will be undefined. If x , − , 3x + 1 , 0 and , 0.
3 3x +1 3 3x +1
Hence, no real solutions can be obtained for y.
∴ it is not possible to find a value of y.

12 x +7
1. Given that y = , where x ≠ k, find
Similar and x−2
Further Questions (a) the value of y when x = 5,
Exercise 1C
Questions 4, 5(a), (b), (b) the value of x when y = 4,
13(a)–(d),
(c) the value of k.
14(a), (b),
15

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
17 A
G
E
 5b +16
2. Given that a = 3 , find the value of b when a = 3.
2b − 23

x+y
3. Given that 3 = z,
x−y
(a) find the value of x when y = 4 and z = 2,
(b) explain if it is possible to have a value of z if x = y.

Introduct ry
Problem
Revisited
Now that you have gained some understanding of how to change the subject of a formula, can you solve the
Introductory Problem? Discuss with your classmates.

1. What should I do to change the subject of a formula?

2. What have I learnt in this section or chapter that I am still unclear of?

1C

1
1. In each of the following cases, make the letter in the (d) A =
2
( a + b )h [b]
brackets the subject of the formula.
(a) ax + by = k [y] 3. In each of the following cases, make the letter in the
(b) PV = nRT [n] brackets the subject of the formula.
(c) 5b – 2d = 3c [d] (a) 3
h−k = m [h]
(d) R = m(a + g) [a]
(b) b = D + 4ac [D]
V2
2. In each of the following cases, make the letter in the (c) P = [V]
R
brackets the subject of the formula. θ
a (d) A = × πr 2 [θ]
(a) =b+c [a] 360
m
2p 4. Given that ax 2 − b = c, find the values of x when
(b) 5q – r = [p]
3 a = 2, b = 7 and c = 5.
k+a
(c) = 3k [k]
5

P
A
G
E
18 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
 1C

5. Given that a2(b + c) = 2b – c, find 11. The time taken, T seconds, for a pendulum to
(a) the values of a when b = 7 and c = 2, complete one oscillation is given by the formula
(b) the value of c when a = 4 and b = –1. l
T = 2π , where l m is the length of the
g
6. Rearrange each of the following formulae to make pendulum and g is taken to be 10 m s–2.
the letter in the brackets the subject. (i) Express l in terms of T and g.
9
(a) F = C + 32 [C] (ii) Hence, find the length of the pendulum if it
5
(b) A = 2πr2 + πrl [l] takes 12 seconds to complete 20 oscillations.
1
(c) s = ut + at 2 [u]
2 12. The amount of energy, E joules (J), stored in an
n
(d) S = [ 2a + (n −1)d ] [d] object with a mass of m kg is given by the formula
2 1
E = mgh + mv 2 , where h m is the height of the
2
7. Rearrange each of the following formulae to make object above the ground, v m s–1 is the velocity of
the letter in the brackets the subject. the object and g is taken to be 10 m s–2.
1
(a) +2 = k [h] (i) Given that v > 0, rearrange the formula
h +1
1
y(z − y) E = mgh + mv 2 to make v the subject.
2
(b) z = [z]
x (ii) Hence, find the velocity of an object with a
px
(c) =p+q [p] mass of 0.5 kg, if it is 2 m above the ground
q
and has 100 J of energy.
1 1
(d) + =1 [b]
a b m (nx − y 2 )
13. Given that = 3n, where p ≠ k, find
2 p
8. Given that V = πr 2h + πr 3 ,
3 (a) the value of p when m = 5, n = 7, x = 4 and
(i) make h the subject of the formula,
y = −2,
(ii) find the value of h when V = 1000 and r = 7.
(b) the value of n when m = 14, p = 9, x = 2 and
y = 3,
9. Rearrange each of the following formulae to make
(c) the values of y when m = 5, n = 4, p = 15 and
the letter in the brackets the subject.
4 x = 42,
(a) V = πr 3 [r]
3 (d) the value of k.
(b) v2 = u2 + 2as [u]
(c) y = (x – p)2 + q [x] 1 2 4 3
14. Given that A = πr h + πr , find
3 3
4z
(d) t = [z] (a) the value of A when π = 3.142, h = 15 and
m−3
r = 7,
3b + c (b) the value of h when π = 3.142, A = 15 400 and
10. Given that a = , and 3b + c > 0,
b−c r = 14.
(i) express b in terms of a and c,
(ii) find the value of b when a = 2 and c = 5.
(iii) For b to be defined, a2 ≠ t. State the value of t.

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
19 A
G
E
 1C

15. Given that y = 3x + 3 a + b 2 ,

(i) find
(a) the value of y when a = 13, b = 15 and x = 3.8,
(b) the value of a when b = 13, x = 8.5 and y = 35,
(c) the values of b when a = 23, x = 15.6 and y = 56.
(ii) explain if it is possible to have a value of y if a + b2 < 0.

By the time you complete this chapter, we will have covered all the foundational skills of algebraic manipulation:
from writing algebraic expressions to solving algebraic equations; from working with simple linear algebraic
expressions to working with expressions containing more complex algebraic fractions. An important idea that lies at
the heart of many of the techniques — equivalence: the idea that there is some form of “sameness” even though the
expressions may look different.
In Book 1, we learnt that two expressions are equivalent if the value of both expressions is the same for any value we
substitute into the variables, e.g.
a(b + c) = ab + ac, for any values of a, b, and c.
In Book 2, we encountered special algebraic identities such as
(a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2.
Besides equivalent expressions, we also learnt about equivalent equations where the solution set is the same. For
instance, in Book 1, we learnt how to solve 5x + 4 = 2x – 8 and we see that this equation has the same solution as
3x = –12, which is an equivalent equation obtained by performing a series of operations that preserved the equality
on both sides of the equation.
In Book 2, we explored how we can solve two linear simultaneous equations in two variables. In particular, we
are able to solve simultaneous linear equations by means of elimination and substitution, which gives us the same
solution set even though we have rewritten the equations in a different form. Furthermore, we learnt how we can
work with inequalities by writing equivalent inequalities that have the same solution set.
Finally, in this chapter, we have learnt how we can work with algebraic fractions by writing equivalent algebraic
fractions obtained by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number.
This technique is based on the idea of equivalent fractions, something that you have already learnt and are familiar
with since primary school! So, if there is one golden rule in algebraic manipulation, it will be this: check that the
expressions or equations are equivalent, that is, they have the same value when evaluated for the variables, or that
they have the same solution set.

P
A
G
E
20 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae
1. Equivalent fractions
The value of a fraction remains unchanged if both its numerator and denominator are multiplied or
divided by the same non-zero number or expression,
a a×c a a÷c
i.e. = and = , where b, c ≠ 0.
b b×c b b÷c
3 15
An example is = .
10 50
• Give two other examples of equivalent fractions.

2. Simplifying algebraic fractions

To simplify an algebraic fraction, we divide its numerator and its denominator by the highest common factor.
1
3x 41 x
E.g. =
9x 31 3
3
1
a 2 + 4ab a ( a + 4b )
=
3ab 3ab
1
a + 4b
=
3b
2x 2 a + 3a 2b3
• Simplify (a) , (b) .
8x 4 a3b 2

3. Multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions

a c
(a) When we multiply by , we have:
b d
a c a×c
× =
b d b×d
ac
= ,
bd
where b, d ≠ 0.
a 2b ac c ad 2
• Simplify (a) × 2 , (b) 3 × 2 .
c bd bd bc
a c
(b) When we divide by , we have:
b d
a c a d
÷ = ×
b d b c
a×d
=
b×c
ad
= ,
bc
where b, c, d ≠ 0.
5b 2 25a ( a + b )2 ( c – d )2
• Simplify (a) ÷ , (b) ÷ .
cd c 2d 3 ( c – d ) ( a + b )3

P
Algebraic Fractions and Formulae CHAPTER 1
21 A
G
E
4. Adding and subtracting algebraic fractions
To combine two fractions, both fractions must have the same denominator. We find the LCM of the
denominators and express each fraction as an equivalent fraction with the LCM as a denominator.
For example:
2y y 2y ( x − 2 ) − y ( x +1)
− =
x +1 x − 2 ( x +1)( x − 2 )
2xy − 4 y − xy − y
=
( x +1)( x − 2 )
xy − 5y
=
( x +1)( x − 2 )
5. Changing the subject of a formula
To make a variable the subject of a formula, we need to ensure that all terms involving the variable are isolated
on one side of the equation. In the final expression, the subject is the only term with that variable and has a
coefficient of 1.
For example:
To express a in terms of u, v and s given that v2 = u2 + 2as,
v2 = u2 + 2as
2as = v2 – u2
v 2 – u2
a=
2s

P
A
G
E
22 CHAPTER 1 Algebraic Fractions and Formulae