Algebra II : Intermediate Single-Variable Algebra

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Properties Of Fractions

Simplify the expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to simplify the expression  , first note that the denominators in both terms share a factor:

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of both terms:

 

Finally, combine like terms:

Example Question #2 : Properties Of Fractions

Simplify the expression:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 

1. Create a common denominator between the two fractions.

 

2. Simplify.

Example Question #1 : Rational Expressions

Find the values of  which will make this rational expression undefined:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For a rational expression to be undefined, the denominator must be equal to .

 

1. Set the denominator equal to .

 

2. Set the factors equal to  and solve for .

and

Example Question #1 : Understanding Rational Expressions

Which value of  makes the following expression undefined?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

A rational expression is undefined when the denominator is zero.

The denominator is zero when .

Example Question #2 : Properties Of Fractions

Compute:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The terms cannot be added unless the denominators are common.  To get the same denominator for each term, find the LCD by multiplying , and .

The denominator for the three terms are .  Evaluate each term of the given problem.

 

Example Question #4 : Properties Of Fractions

Bob is left with a whole pizza for dinner.  He eats  of this pizza.   Afterward, Wendy eats the rest of the pizza except the crusts, and leaves  of the whole pizza remaining.  What fraction did Wendy eat?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

A whole pizza is one unit.

After Bob ate  of this pizza,  will remain.

Wendy eats an  amount of the two-thirds of the pizza, and leaves  of the whole pizza.  Write the equation and solve for .

Example Question #3 : Properties Of Fractions

Simplify, if possible:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to subtract the numerators, first find the least common denominator in the problem.  This can usually be found by multiplying the unlike denominators together.

For each term, multiply the numerator with what was multiplied on the denominator to get the least common denominator.

Simplify.

There are no other terms or common factors here that can be simplified.  Since there are no like terms in the numerator or denominator, this is fully simplified.

The answer is:

Example Question #4 : Properties Of Fractions

Simplify:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to simplify, we will need a common denominator.

Multiply the denominators together.

This will be the new denominator.

Convert the fractions.

Combine the fractions as a single fraction.

Subtract the numerators.

The answer is:  

Example Question #11 : Rational Expressions

Add the fractions:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To add these fractions, we must have a common denominator.

Multiply both denominators to obtain the least common denominator.

Convert both fractions.  

Simplify the numerator and combine the fractions as a single fraction.

Pull out a common factor on the numerator.

Reduce the fraction.

The answer is:  

Example Question #12 : Rational Expressions

Which of the following is a misuse of fractional properties?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

For the additional and subtraction properties of fractions, we must determine the least common factor, change the fractions, and find the value of the numerators.

Combining all the terms, this fraction will become:

According to the multiplicative rule of fractions, we can simply multiply the numerators together, and denominators together.

For division, the division sign can be switched to a multiplication sign, but we must also take the reciprocal of what is being divided.

We can verify that:

 

Both terms in the numerator and denominator are satisfied by FOIL method.

The answer is: 

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