Factorization and Algebraic Fractions Practice Problems

Master simplifying algebraic fractions through factorization with step-by-step practice problems. Learn when and how to simplify fractions with variables.

๐Ÿ“šMaster Algebraic Fraction Simplification Skills
  • Simplify algebraic fractions by identifying common factors in numerators and denominators
  • Apply factorization techniques to extract common factors before simplifying fractions
  • Determine when algebraic fractions can and cannot be simplified using multiplication rules
  • Solve equations with algebraic fractions by simplifying and finding valid solution sets
  • Factor trinomials and use short multiplication formulas in fraction simplification
  • Handle fractions with multiple variables and parentheses through proper factorization

Understanding Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

Complete explanation with examples

When we have equal numbers or with a common denominator in the numerator and in the denominator, in certain cases, we can simplify fractions.

Often we will encounter an algebraic fraction in which the numerator and the denominator can be simplified. For example, this equation:

412x4\over12x

is a fraction that we can simplify. The simplification of algebraic fractions is a very important operation that will save us a lot of time when solving exercises and will help us avoid mistakes. In this article, we will learn when it is and is not allowed to simplify the numerator and the denominator.

Remember! Simplification between numerator and denominator is possible when the terms involve multiplication operations and there are no additions or subtractions.

Detailed explanation

Practice Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

Test your knowledge with 19 quizzes

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

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

Examples with solutions for Simplifying 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

When can you simplify algebraic fractions?

+
You can simplify algebraic fractions only when both the numerator and denominator contain multiplication operations. If there are addition or subtraction operations in either the numerator or denominator, you cannot directly simplify.

How do you simplify fractions with variables like 4/12x?

+
First, identify common factors between the coefficient in the numerator and denominator. In 4/12x, both 4 and 12 are divisible by 4, so 4/12x = 4/(4ร—3x) = 1/3x.

What should you do if there's addition in the numerator before simplifying?

+
Extract the common factor first. For example, in (3x+6xy)/12x, factor out 3x from the numerator: 3x(1+2y)/12x, then simplify by canceling 3x to get (1+2y)/4.

Why can't you simplify 4/(12+x)?

+
You cannot simplify this fraction because there's addition in the denominator (12+x). Simplification requires multiplication operations only - you can only cancel factors, not addends.

How do you handle fractions with parentheses like 3x(x+2)/(x+2)?

+
When an entire expression in parentheses multiplies other terms, you can treat it as a single factor. Here, (x+2) appears in both numerator and denominator, so it cancels out, leaving 3x.

What is the solution set when solving algebraic fraction equations?

+
The solution set excludes values that make any denominator equal to zero. For example, in an equation with denominator 5(x+3), the solution set is x โ‰  -3 since x = -3 would make the denominator zero.

Can you simplify fractions with multiple variables like 3x/11xy?

+
Yes, when all terms are connected by multiplication. In 3x/11xy, you can cancel the common factor x from both numerator and denominator, resulting in 3/11y.

What are the steps to simplify complex algebraic fractions?

+
Follow these steps: 1) Extract common factors from numerator and denominator, 2) Apply short multiplication formulas if applicable, 3) Factor trinomials when possible, 4) Cancel common factors between numerator and denominator.

More Simplifying Algebraic Fractions Questions

Continue Your Math Journey