Algebraic Fractions
Algebraic Fractions
Algebraic Fractions
Algebraic Fractions
Contents
Algebraic Fractions
Solving Algebraic Fractions
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Algebraic Fractions
Your notes
Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
What is an algebraic fraction?
An algebraic fraction is a fraction with an algebraic expression on the top (numerator) and/or the
bottom (denominator)
How do you simplify an algebraic fraction?
Factorise fully top and bottom
Cancel common factors (including common brackets)
Exam Tip
If you are asked to simplify an algebraic fraction and have to factorise the top or bottom, it is
very likely that one of the factors will be the same on the top and the bottom – you can use
this to help you factorise difficult quadratics!
Page 2 of 10
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Worked example
Your notes
4x + 6
Simplify 2
2x − 7x − 15
Factorise the top, by using 2 as a common factor
The common factors on the top and bottom reduce to 1 (cancel out)
Page 3 of 10
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Exam Tip
Leaving the top and bottom of the fraction in factorised form will help you see if anything
cancels at the end
Page 4 of 10
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Worked example
Your notes
x 3
(a) Express − as a single fraction
x +4 x −1
The lowest common denominator is
Write each fraction over this common denominator, remember to multiply the top of the
fractions too
There are no terms which would cancel here, so this is the final answer
x −4 x −1
(b) Express − as a single fraction
2(x − 3) 2x
The lowest common denominator is (You could also use but this
wouldn't be the lowest common denominator)
Write each fraction over this common denominator, remember to multiply the top of the
fractions too
Page 5 of 10
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Your notes
Simplify the numerators
There is nothing else that can be factorised on the numerator, so this is the final answer
Page 6 of 10
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Worked example
x +3 2x + 6
Divide by 2 , giving your answer as a simplified fraction
x − 4 x − 16
Division is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal (the fraction flipped)
It can often help to factorise first, as there may be factors that cancel out
Multiply the numerators and denominators, and cancel any terms that are the same on the top and
bottom
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Page 8 of 10
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5(x − 3)
4(x + 1) + (x + 1) = 5(x − 3) (x + 1)
x+1 Your notes
5(x − 3)
4(x + 1) + (x + 1) = 5(x − 3) (x + 1)
(x + 1)
4(x + 1) + 5(x − 3) = 5(x − 3) (x + 1)
STEP 3
Expand the brackets on both sides and simplify
4x + 4 + 5x − 15 = 5(x 2 + x − 3x − 3)
9x − 11 = 5(x 2 − 2x − 3)
9x − 11 = 5x 2 − 10x − 15
STEP 4
Rearrange the equation so that it is in a form that can be solved
9x − 11 = 5x 2 − 10x − 15
− (9x − 11) = − (9x − 11)
0 = 5x 2 − 10x − 9x − 15 + 11
0 = 5x 2 − 19x − 4
STEP 5
Solve the equation
You can swap the sides if it makes solving the equation easier
5x 2 − 19x − 4 = 0
(5x + 1) (x − 4) = 0
1
x= − or x = 4
5
Exam Tip
Multiplying by both denominators at once can speed up the process, but be careful with the
algebra if choosing this technique
Page 9 of 10
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Worked example
Your notes
2 5
− = 6p
p +3 p
Show that this equation can be written as 6p 3 + 18p 2 + 3p + 15 = 0 .
Now multiply by
Add the terms on the left hand side to the right hand side, to complete the question
Page 10 of 10
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