Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
Adding and Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
1 𝑥 𝑥 1
+ −
2 4 3 9
×2 ×3
2 𝑥 3𝑥 1
+ −
4 4 9 9
2+ 𝑥
¿ 3 𝑥 −1
4 ¿
9
𝑥+2
¿
4
Adding/Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
1. Find the lowest common denominator (LCD)
2. Scale the fraction(s) to get matching denominators
3. Combine numerators
𝑥 𝑥 3𝑥 2𝑥
+ +
2 3 4 3
×3 ×2 ×3 ×4
3𝑥 2𝑥 9𝑥 8𝑥
+ +
6 6 12 12
3 𝑥+ 2 𝑥 9 𝑥+ 8 𝑥
¿ ¿
6 12
5𝑥 17 𝑥
¿ ¿
6 12
Adding/Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
CRISS CROSS SMILE
a ± c = ad ± bc
b d bd
Adding/Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
CRISS CROSS SMILE
3 𝑎 𝑥 +3 𝑥 −2
− +
4 2 2 5
Adding/Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
CRISS CROSS SMILE
2 𝑥 − 1 𝑥 −1 3 2
− −
3 4 𝑥 −6 𝑥 +2
Exercise 1C