Algebraic Fractions Practice Problems & Factorization

Master algebraic fractions through interactive practice problems. Learn simplification, factorization, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division step-by-step.

๐Ÿ“šMaster Algebraic Fractions with Step-by-Step Practice
  • Simplify algebraic fractions by factoring common factors and trinomials
  • Add and subtract algebraic fractions using common denominators
  • Multiply and divide algebraic fractions with proper domain restrictions
  • Factor algebraic expressions using special product formulas
  • Solve complex algebraic fraction problems with multiple operations
  • Identify when algebraic fractions cannot be simplified

Understanding Algebraic Fractions

Complete explanation with examples

Algebraic Fractions

What is an algebraic fraction?

An algebraic fraction is a fraction that contains at least one algebraic expression (with a variable) such as 3x3x.
The expression can be in the numerator or the denominator or both.

Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

We can simplify algebraic fractions only when there is a multiplication operation between the algebraic factors in the numerator and the denominator, and there are no addition or subtraction operations.
Steps to simplify algebraic fractions:

  1. The first step โ€“
    Attempt to factor out a common factor.
  2. The second step โ€“
    Attempt to simplify using special product formulas.
  3. The third step โ€“
    Attempt to factor by using a trinomial.

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Factoring algebraic fractions

How do you reduce algebraic fractions?

  1. We will find the common factor that is most beneficial for us to extract.
  2. If we do not find one, we will proceed to factorization using the formulas for shortened multiplication.
  3. If we cannot use the formulas for shortened multiplication, we will proceed to factorization using trinomials.
  4. We will simplify (only when there is multiplication between the terms unless the terms are in parentheses, in which case we will treat it as a single term).

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Addition and Subtraction of Algebraic Fractions

We will make all the denominators the same โ€“ we will reach a common denominator.
We will use factorization according to the methods we have learned.
Steps of the operation:

  1. We will factor all the denominators.
  2. We will multiply each numerator by the number it needs so that its denominator reaches the common denominator.
  3. We will write the exercise with one denominator - the common denominator, and between the expressions in the numerators, we will keep the arithmetic operations as in the original exercise.
  4. After opening parentheses, we might encounter another expression that we need to factor. We will factor it and see if we can simplify.
  5. We will get a regular fraction and solve it.

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Multiplication and Division of Algebraic Fractions

Steps to multiply algebraic fractions:

  • Let's try to factor out a common factor.
    The common factor can be our variable or any constant number.
  • If factoring out a common factor is not enough, we will reduce using the formulas for the product of sums or using trinomials.
  • Let's find the domain of substitution:
    We will set all the denominators we have to 0 and find the solutions.
    The domain of substitution will be: x different from what makes the denominator zero.
  • Let's simplify the fractions.
  • We will multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator as in a regular fraction.

Steps for dividing algebraic fractions:

  • We will turn the division exercise into a multiplication exercise in this way:
    We will leave the first fraction as it is, change the division sign to a multiplication sign, and invert the fraction that comes after the division operation. That is, numerator in place of denominator and denominator in place of numerator.
  • We will follow the rules for multiplying algebraic fractions:
    • We will try to factor out a common factor.
      The common factor can be our variable or any free number.
    • If factoring out a common factor is not enough, we will decompose using the formulas for shortened multiplication and also using trinomials.
    • We will find the domain of substitution:
      We will set all the denominators we have to 0 and find the solutions.
      The domain of substitution will be x different from what zeros the denominator.
    • We will simplify the fractions.
    • We will multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator as in a regular fraction.


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Detailed explanation

Practice Algebraic Fractions

Test your knowledge with 19 quizzes

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

\( \frac{16ab}{?}=2b \)

Examples with solutions for Algebraic Fractions

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Select the field of application of the following fraction:

x16 \frac{x}{16}

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's examine the given expression:

x16 \frac{x}{16}

As we know, the only restriction that applies to a division operation is division by 0, since no number can be divided into 0 parts, therefore, 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,

However in the given expression:

x16 \frac{x}{16}

the denominator is 16 and:

16โ‰ 0 16\neq0

Therefore the fraction is well defined and thus the unknown, which is in the numerator, can take any value,

Meaning - the domain (definition range) of the given expression is:

all x

(This means that we can substitute any number for the unknown x and the expression will remain well defined),

Therefore the correct answer is answer B.

Answer:

Allย X All~X

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Select the domain of the following fraction:

8+x5 \frac{8+x}{5}

Step-by-Step Solution

The domain depends on the denominator and we can see that there is no variable in the denominator.

Therefore, the domain is all numbers.

Answer:

All numbers

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Select the the domain of the following fraction:

6x \frac{6}{x}

Step-by-Step Solution

The domain of a fraction depends on the denominator.

Since you cannot divide by zero, the denominator of a fraction cannot equal zero.

Therefore, for the fraction 6x \frac{6}{x} , the domain is "All numbers except 0," since the denominator cannot equal zero.

In other words, the domain is:

xโ‰ 0 x\ne0

Answer:

All numbers except 0

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Identify the field of application of the following fraction:

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

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's examine the given expression:

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

As we know, the only restriction that applies to division is division by 0, since 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:

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

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, meaning we require that:

x+2โ‰ 0 x+2\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):

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

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

xโ‰ โˆ’2 x\neq -2

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

Therefore, the correct answer is answer D.

Note:

In general - solving an inequality of this form, meaning, a non-linear, but point inequality - that uses the โ‰  \neq sign and not the inequality signs: ,>,\hspace{2pt}<,\hspace{2pt}\geq,\hspace{2pt}\leq,\hspace{2pt} is identical in every aspect 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’2 x\neq-2

Video Solution
Exercise #5

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: ,>,\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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an algebraic fraction and how is it different from regular fractions?

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An algebraic fraction is a fraction containing at least one algebraic expression with a variable (like 3x) in the numerator, denominator, or both. Unlike regular fractions with only numbers, algebraic fractions require special techniques for simplification and operations.

How do you simplify algebraic fractions step by step?

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Follow these three steps: 1) Factor out common factors from numerator and denominator, 2) Apply special product formulas if possible, 3) Factor trinomials when needed. Only simplify when terms are multiplied, not added or subtracted.

When can you NOT simplify an algebraic fraction?

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You cannot simplify algebraic fractions when the variable appears in addition or subtraction operations rather than multiplication. For example, (x+10)/20 cannot be simplified because x is added, not multiplied.

How do you add and subtract algebraic fractions?

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To add or subtract algebraic fractions: 1) Factor all denominators, 2) Find the common denominator, 3) Multiply each numerator to match the common denominator, 4) Combine numerators keeping the same operations, 5) Simplify the result if possible.

What's the difference between multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions?

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For multiplication: multiply numerators together and denominators together after factoring and simplifying. For division: change division to multiplication by flipping the second fraction, then follow multiplication rules.

How do you find the domain of algebraic fractions?

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Set each denominator equal to zero and solve for the variable. The domain includes all real numbers except those values that make any denominator zero, as division by zero is undefined.

What are common mistakes when working with algebraic fractions?

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Common errors include: trying to cancel terms that are added/subtracted instead of multiplied, forgetting to factor completely before simplifying, and not finding the proper common denominator when adding fractions.

How do you factor algebraic expressions in fractions?

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Use these methods in order: 1) Factor out greatest common factors first, 2) Apply difference of squares and perfect square trinomial formulas, 3) Factor quadratic trinomials using various techniques, 4) Check if further factoring is possible.

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