COLLEGE ALGEBRA

Topic Rational Algebraic Fractions

Introduction
In arithmetic, the concepts and skills of fractions have been restricted to the ratio of
counting number. Fractions involving variables also arise in algebra. They are called rational
algebraic expression or simply algebraic fractions to distinguish them from arithmetic fractions.
Since division by zero is a restriction, the variables in rational algebraic expressions may not
take values which make the denominator equal to zero.
Review Fractions
A rational number of the form

a
b

where b 0 , is called a fraction. The quantities a

and b are the terms of the fraction. The term a is called the numerator and the term b is called
the denominator.
a. Simplifying fractions
A fraction is said to be reduced in lowest terms when the greatest common factor (GCF)
of its numerator and denominator is 1.
To reduce fractions to lowest terms,
1) Find the GCF of the numerator and denominator.
2) Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF.
Example: Reduce

20
24 to its lowest term.

Solution: the GCF of the 20 and

24 is 4.
20 24 4 5
=
=
24 24 4 6
b. Multiplying fractions
In multiplying two or more fractions, simply multiply their numerators, and then multiply
their denominators. Simplify the product if possible. Note; express mixed fractions as
improper fraction
Before performing the operation.
a
a
c
c
In symbols, if b
are fractions, then b = ac
d
d
bd
c. Dividing Fractions
In dividing a fraction by another, multiply the reciprocal of the divisor by the
dividend. Simplify the quotient if possible. Note: Express mixed fractions as
improper fractions before performing the operation.
a
a
c
d
In symbols, if b
are fraction, then a c = b = ad
d
b d
c
bc
d. Adding and subtracting Fractions

Note: express mixed fractions as improper fractions before performing the

operation.
Adding and Subtracting similar fractions:
Two or more fractions are similar if they have the same denominator. Only similar
fractions can be added or subtracted.
to combine similar fractions, combine the numerators and keep the common
a
c
a c a+ c
b
denominator. In symbols, if
are fractions, then b + b = b , and
b
a c ac
=
.
b b
b
Adding and subtracting dissimilar fractions:
To add or subtract dissimilar fractions, first, rewrite them as similar fractions. In
a
c
symbols, if b
are fractions and e is the least common denominator (LCD),
d
ae ce

then a c = b d .
b d
e
The LCD is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fraction.
LCM is the smallest natural number for which the both denominators are factors.
Example:

5 5 15+ 10 25
+ =
=
8 12
24
24

e. Simplifying complex Fractions

Complex fractions have fractions in their numerator or denominator, or in both.
A complex fraction can be simplified by individually simplifying the terms of the
complex fractons to obtain a single fraction.
8 2

2 4
+
2 4
4+ 4
8
4
6
+
3 6
Example simplify
solution: 3 6 = 6 = 6 = 3 = 16
3
5
3
203 17
17
51
5
4
4
4
4
A complex fraction can also be simplified by multiplying both terms of the complex
fraction by the LCD of all the fractions in the complex fraction.
2 4
2 4
2 4
+
+
( + ) 12
3 6
3 6
3 6
8+8 16
=
=
=
Example: simplify
Solution:
3
3
3
609 51
5
5
(4 ) 12
4
4
4
Exercises:
a) Perform the indicated operations. Express the final answers as fractions in lowest terms.
1.

4
7

12 12

2.

5 7

4 16

3.

2
1
4 2
3
5

4.

12 5
+
17 17

5.

5
7
11 + 9
6
5

6.

3
5
1
7
3

7.

7
4
8
6
4
5
7

8.

3 12

5 35

9.

5
1
2 7
8
2

4)

4 3

5 8
5 7

6 8

( )

4 3
10. 7 6

( )

11.

(2 38 )(3 125 ) 125

2
5
12. 2 7 + 3 9

b) Simplify each complex fraction.

1)

1 3
+
2 5
3 1

4 5

2)

5 5

10 3
3 2
1 +
6 3

3)

4
3
3
3
4+
4

5)

11
4
12
33
13 39

4 64

2
1+
6)

1
2

3
1

1
3

7)

1
2
1+
2
1+
3

8)

5 3

6 8
5 3

6 8

9) Simplifying rational algebraic Expressions

10)

n
d where n and d are polynomials, where

Algebraic expressions of the form

d 0 , is called a rational expressions. It is emphasized that the denominator of a rational

expression cannot be equal to the value of the variable that will make the denominator zero
is excluded.
11)
A rational expression is said to be in lowest terms when its numerator and
denominator have no common factors other than 1. In reducing a rational expression to
lowest terms, divide both terms of the rational expression by the GCF of the terms.
12)Examples: Reduce the following rational expressions to lowest terms.
3

1.

10 x y z
12 x 3 y 7 z 2
13)

2.

10 x 35 x 2
15 x 7

3 5
Solution: GCF= 2 x y z

10 x 4 y 5 z 2 x 3 y 5 z
5x
= 2
3 7 2
3 5
12 x y z 2 x y z 6 y z
Solution: Factor both terms of the rational expression, then divide out the

common factor.
14)

2
10 x 35 x 2 5 x ( 2 x1 ) 2 x1
=
=
3x
15 x 7
5 x 2 ( 3 x )5

3.

x 36
x6

Solution: Factor both terms of the rational expression, then divide out the

common factor.
2

15)

x 36 (x+ 6)(2 x1)

=
=x+ 6
x6
x6

4.

3 y +7 y6
y 2 + y6

Solution: Factor both terms of the rational expression, then divide out the

common factor.
16)
5.

y 2 y6
9 y 2
17)

3 y 2 +7 y6 (3 y2)( y +3) 3 y2
=
=
( y2)( x+5)
y 2
y 2 + y6
solution:

( y +2)( y3)
y 2 y6 ( y+ 2)( y 3)
y +2
=
=
=
2
(37)(3+ y ) (1)( y3)(3+ y) 3+ y
9 y