how to simplify algebraic fractions?
Post an example or two that we can help you with
2/a+3/b
help me
To simplify algebraic fractions, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Factorize the numerator and denominator if possible.
Look for common factors in both the numerator and the denominator.
Step 2: Cancel out common factors.
Divide both the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor. This step cancels out the common factors and simplifies the fraction.
Step 3: Simplify further if possible.
If there are still common factors in the fraction, repeat step 2 until no more common factors exist.
Let's go through an example to clarify the process:
Example: Simplify the fraction (x^2 - 4x) / (x^2 - 9)
Step 1: Factorize the numerator and denominator:
Numerator: (x)(x-4)
Denominator: (x-3)(x+3)
Step 2: Cancel out common factors:
(x)(x-4) / ((x-3)(x+3))
Step 3: Simplify further if possible:
The fraction cannot be simplified further since there are no more common factors. So, the final simplified form is (x)(x-4) / ((x-3)(x+3)).