Algebra II : Properties of Fractions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra II

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Example Questions

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: 

Example Question #13 : Rational Expressions

Simply 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, and then simplify the expression:

Which equals:

 

 

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