SSAT Upper Level Math : How to add complex fractions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #23 : Complex Fractions

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Least common denominator is . Just multiply the left fraction numerator by  and solve.

Therefore the answer is .

Example Question #71 : Fractions

Simplify.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Try to simplify the fractions rather than trying to find the least common denominator. It should look like this:

 .

Remember, to break down the quadratic equation by finding the binomials, two numbers that are factors of c must add up to make b. The  may not be easy to factor but when put into the quadratic formula

, we get roots of  and . Then set equations equal to  so that when solving for , the answer is the root.

Now after cancellations, we get .

The common denominator is  or  or .

Remember when foiling, you multiply the numbers/variables that first appear in each binomial, followed by multiplying the outer most numbers/variables, then multiplying the inner most numbers/variables and finally multiplying the last numbers/variables. For the left fraction numerator you multiply by what it's lacking and same with the right fraction numerator.

The overall fraction should look like 

Once simplified, the answer will be shown. 

Example Question #133 : Number Concepts And Operations

Add:  

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Rewrite the fractions using a division sign.  

To change the division sign to a multiplication sign, take the reciprocal of the second terms.

Simplify.

Find the LCD, and rewrite the fractions to add the numerators.

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