Algebraic Fractions Practice Problems & Solutions

Master adding and subtracting algebraic fractions with step-by-step practice problems. Learn factorization techniques and find common denominators easily.

๐Ÿ“šWhat You'll Master in This Practice Session
  • Factorize denominators using difference of squares and perfect square trinomials
  • Find common denominators for complex algebraic fractions efficiently
  • Add and subtract algebraic fractions with unlike denominators step-by-step
  • Simplify resulting expressions by identifying common factors
  • Apply the 6-step method for solving algebraic fraction problems
  • Solve real algebraic fraction problems similar to xยฒ-9 and xยฒ-6x+9 examples

Understanding Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions

Complete explanation with examples

The key to adding or subtracting algebraic fractions is to make all denominators equal, that is, to find the common denominator.
To do this, we will need to factorize according to the different methods we have learned.

Action steps:

  1. We will factorize all the denominators we have.
  2. We will note the common denominator and, in this way, we will know how to meticulously carry out the third step.
  3. We will multiply each of the numerators by the same number that we need to multiply its denominator in order to reach the common denominator.
  4. We will write the exercise with a single denominator, the common denominator, and among the numerators, we will keep the same mathematical operations that were in the original exercise.
  5. After opening the parentheses, it may happen that we encounter another expression that needs to be factorized. We will factorize it and see if we can simplify it.
  6. We will obtain a common fraction and solve it.
Detailed explanation

Practice Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions

Test your knowledge with 19 quizzes

Identify the field of application of the following fraction:

\( \frac{3}{x+2} \)

Examples with solutions for Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Identify the field of application of the following fraction:

713+x \frac{7}{13+x}

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's examine the given expression:

713+x \frac{7}{13+x}

As we know, the only restriction that applies to division is division by 0. Given that no number can be divided into 0 parts, division by 0 is undefined.

Therefore, when we talk about a fraction, where the dividend (the number being divided) is in the numerator, and the divisor (the number we divide by) is in the denominator, the restriction applies only to the denominator, which must be different from 0,

In the given expression:

713+x \frac{7}{13+x}

As stated, the restriction applies to the fraction's denominator only,

Therefore, in order for the given expression (the fraction - in this case) to be defined, we require that the expression in its denominator - does not equal zero, in other words:

13+xโ‰ 0 13+x\neq0

We will solve this inequality, which is a point inequality of first degree, in the same way we solve a first-degree equation, meaning - we isolate the variable on one side, by moving terms (and dividing both sides of the inequality by its coefficient if needed):

13+xโ‰ 0xโ‰ โˆ’13 13+x\neq0 \\ \boxed{x\neq -13}

Therefore, the domain (definition domain) of the given expression is:

xโ‰ โˆ’13 x\neq -13

(This means that if we substitute any number different from (โˆ’13) (-13) for the variable x, the expression will remain well-defined),

Therefore, the correct answer is answer D.

Note:

In a general way - solving an inequality of this form, meaning, a non-linear, but point inequality - that uses the โ‰  \neq sign and not the inequality signs: ,>,<,โ‰ฅ,โ‰ค, ,>,\hspace{2pt}<,\hspace{2pt}\geq,\hspace{2pt}\leq,\hspace{2pt} is identical in every way to an equation and therefore is solved in the same way and all rules used to solve an equation of any type are identical for it as well.

Answer:

xโ‰ โˆ’13 x\neq-13

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Identify the field of application of the following fraction:

8โˆ’2+x \frac{8}{-2+x}

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's examine the following expression:

8โˆ’2+x \frac{8}{-2+x}

As we know, the only restriction that applies to division is division by 0, given that no number can be divided into 0 parts. Hence division by 0 is undefined.

Therefore, when we talk about a fraction, where the dividend (the number being divided) is in the numerator, and the divisor (the number we divide by) is in the denominator, the restriction applies only to the denominator, which must be different from 0,

In the given expression:

8โˆ’2+x \frac{8}{-2+x}

As stated, the restriction applies to the fraction's denominator only,

Therefore, in order for the given expression (the fraction - in this case) to be defined, we require that the expression in its denominator - does not equal zero, in other words:

โˆ’2+xโ‰ 0 -2+x\neq0

We will solve this inequality, which is a point inequality of first degree, in the same way we solve a first-degree equation, meaning - we isolate the variable on one side, by moving terms (and dividing both sides of the inequality by its coefficient if needed):

โˆ’2+xโ‰ 0xโ‰ 2 -2+x\neq0 \\ \boxed{x\neq 2}

Therefore, the domain (definition domain) of the given expression is:

xโ‰ 2 x\neq 2

(This means that if we substitute any number different from 2 2 for x, the expression will remain well-defined),

Therefore, the correct answer is answer C.

Note:

In a general form - solving an inequality of this form, meaning, a non-graphical, but point inequality - that uses the โ‰  \neq sign and not the inequality signs: ,>,<,โ‰ฅ,โ‰ค, ,>,\hspace{2pt}<,\hspace{2pt}\geq,\hspace{2pt}\leq,\hspace{2pt} is identical in every way to an equation and therefore is solved in the same way and all rules used to solve an equation of any type are identical for it as well.

Answer:

xโ‰ 2 x\neq2

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Determine if the simplification below is correct:

6โ‹…36โ‹…3=1 \frac{6\cdot3}{6\cdot3}=1

Step-by-Step Solution

We simplify the expression on the left side of the approximate equality:

6ฬธโ‹…3ฬธ6ฬธโ‹…3ฬธ=?1โ†“1=!1 \frac{\textcolor{red}{\not{6}}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{\not{3}}}{\textcolor{red}{\not{6}}\cdot\textcolor{blue}{\not{3}}}\stackrel{?}{= }1\\ \downarrow\\ 1\stackrel{!}{= }1 therefore, the described simplification is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Answer:

Correct

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Determine if the simplification below is correct:

5โ‹…88โ‹…3=53 \frac{5\cdot8}{8\cdot3}=\frac{5}{3}

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's consider the fraction and break it down into two multiplication exercises:

88ร—53 \frac{8}{8}\times\frac{5}{3}

We simplify:

1ร—53=53 1\times\frac{5}{3}=\frac{5}{3}

Answer:

Correct

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Determine if the simplification below is correct:

4โ‹…84=18 \frac{4\cdot8}{4}=\frac{1}{8}

Step-by-Step Solution

We will divide the fraction exercise into two multiplication exercises:

44ร—81= \frac{4}{4}\times\frac{8}{1}=

We simplify:

1ร—81=8 1\times\frac{8}{1}=8

Therefore, the described simplification is false.

Answer:

Incorrect

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step when adding algebraic fractions with different denominators?

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The first step is to factorize all denominators completely using methods like difference of squares, perfect square trinomials, or common factoring. This reveals the structure needed to find the least common denominator.

How do you find the common denominator for algebraic fractions?

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After factorizing all denominators, identify all unique factors and take the highest power of each factor that appears. For example, if you have (x-3)(x+3) and (x-3)ยฒ, the common denominator is (x+3)(x-3)ยฒ.

What are the 6 steps for adding and subtracting algebraic fractions?

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1) Factorize all denominators, 2) Find the common denominator, 3) Multiply each numerator by the factor needed to reach the common denominator, 4) Write with single denominator keeping original operations, 5) Simplify and factorize if needed, 6) Obtain the final simplified fraction.

Why do we need to factorize denominators in algebraic fractions?

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Factorizing denominators reveals common factors between fractions, making it easier to find the least common denominator. Without factorization, you might miss opportunities to simplify and could create unnecessarily complex denominators.

How do you multiply numerators when finding common denominators?

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Multiply each numerator by exactly the same factors you multiply its denominator by to reach the common denominator. If the denominator needs to be multiplied by (x+3), then multiply the numerator by (x+3) as well.

What common mistakes should I avoid with algebraic fractions?

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Common mistakes include: not factorizing denominators completely, forgetting to multiply numerators by the same factor as denominators, making sign errors when distributing, and not simplifying the final answer by canceling common factors.

When can you simplify algebraic fractions after adding or subtracting?

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You can simplify when the numerator and denominator share common factors after combining terms. Always check if the final numerator can be factored and if any factors match those in the denominator for cancellation.

How do you handle negative signs in algebraic fraction operations?

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Be extra careful with negative signs when multiplying numerators and when combining terms in the final numerator. Use parentheses to group terms clearly and distribute negative signs properly to avoid sign errors.

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