Algebra II : Least Common Denominator

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Least Common Denominator

Determine the least common denominator:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The least common denominator is the term that is both divisible by all denominators and do not have common denominators smaller than this term.

Notice that both denominators can share a .  We can simply change the first denominator to  by multiplying an x-term.

For the second denominator, notice that we can change the three to a nine, similar to the first denominator by multiplying a three.

Since these terms are common and is the least possible term, this is the least common denominator.

The answer is:  

Example Question #22 : Least Common Denominator

Determine the least common denominator:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to determine the least common denominator, we will need to break up both denominator with their simplest forms.

Notice that both of the values share an  term.  The first expression lacks a two coefficient, and the second expression lacks an  term.

This means that the LCD will be:  

Simplify this expression by distribution.

The answer is:  

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