Algebraic+Fractions

Factoring Algebraic Fractions // By: Carlie Hanlon //

What is an Algebraic Fraction? An algebraic fraction is a fraction that has variables. A good example is 2a/3b. What does factoring mean? Factoring is when you break down a problem or reduce it. So when you factor an algebraic fraction, your reducing it to the lowest possible form. x²-x-20/x²+6x+8 ÷ x²-x-6/x²+4x+4 x²-x-20/x²+6x+8 * x²+4x+4/x²-x-6 (x+4)(x+5)/(x+2)(x+4) * (x+2)(x+2)/(x-3)(x+2) (1)(x-5)/(x+2)1) * (x+2)(1)/(x-3)(1) (x-5)/(x+2) * (x+2)(x-3) I know this problem looks scary, but you will soon find out how to master problems like this.

Let’s take an easier problem, like 5 x/x = 20x/4x

I got that because I multiplied the 5 and x by 4, remember what you do to one side you have to do to all. So 5 * 4 = 20, and even though there’s just an x, it’s really 1x we just don’t write it. 1 * 4 = 4, that’s how you got your answer.

Here’s another one: 24x²/12x = 6x/3

This one you have to think about little more. First, this is dividing instead of multiplying, second I added some variables into your division. What I did was divide by 4x, that’s how my x² on the top became just x, and how my x on the bottom disappeared. And 24 ÷ 4 = 6 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3, that’s how I got my answer. Here is a website that will help you for sure  [].

See if you can figure out these couple of problems by yourself I have an answer key really tiny at the bottom for you. Please don’t cheat!!! ( the ^ stands for what’s missing.)

1)__a__ = __ab__ 2)__5p__ = __^__ 3) __9n²__ = __n__ 4) __64y²__ = __^__ = __^__ _ c^ _ 5qq _ 18n _ ^16y² _ 1

Answers: 1)__bc__ 2)__p__ 3)__2__ 4)__4__