Vocabulary
Complex Fraction- A fraction that contains a fraction in its numerator or denominator.
Essential Information
For all fractions, the procedure used to add or subtract two rational expressions depends upon whether the expressions have like or unlike denominators
Adding or Subtracting with Like Denominators
To add or subtract rational expressions with like denominators, add or subtract their numerators. Then place the result over the common denominator.
Adding or Subtracting with Like Denominators
To add or subtract rational expressions with like denominators, add or subtract their numerators. Then place the result over the common denominator.
A common denominator of two rational expressions can be found by multiplying their denominators. However, the least common denominator (LCD), which is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, can be used in order to avoid more simplifying than is necessary.
Simplifying Complex Fractions
A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in its numerator or denominator. Simplifying a complex fraction:
A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in its numerator or denominator. Simplifying a complex fraction:
- Method 1, simplify the numerator and denominator by writing each as a single fraction, then divide the numerator by the denominator.
- Method 2, Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the least common denominator (LCD) of every fraction in the numerator and denominator. Then simplify.