SAT ACT Algebraic Fractions

Part 1

To simplify or multiply algebraic fractions with binomial or polynomial

terms, first factor the polynomial completely, and then divide out factors
that are common to both numerator and denominator of the fraction or
fractions.

To divide algebraic fractions, write the divisor as its reciprocal and

proceed as in multiplication.

To add or subtract algebraic fractions, rewrite the fractions as equivalent

fractions with the same least common denominator (LCD), and then add
like fractions as in adding arithmetic fractions.

In the following illustrative problems, we assume that the variables do

not take values that make the denominator zero.
 2 5
Example 1 Simplify to lowest terms:
2 4 5

Solution: The correct answer is , y 1, 5.
+ 1
Factor numerator and denominator and then reduce the fraction by y 5.
( 5)
(+1)(5)
= , y 1, 5
+ 1

1
3+
Example 2 Simplify: 1
9 2

1
Solution: The correct answer is , 0, .
31 3

Factor the numerator and the denominator as difference of squares and

1
reduce the fraction by (3 ).

1 1
3+ 3+
1 = 1 1
9 2 (3 + )(3 )

1
= 1
3
1
= , 0, .
31 3

+ 3
Example 3 Write the complex fraction as a simple fraction.
1
+ 3

Solution: The correct answer is , 3.
3

(+3)
+ 3 + 3
=
1 (+3)(1 )
+ 3 + 3

=
+ 3

= .
3

1
Example 4 If y = 1 , x > 0, what effect does an increase in x have on

y?
1
Solution: As x increases, decreases. Therefore, we are subtracting a

smaller quantity from 1, and consequently y increases.
 Part 2
Multiplying Algebraic Fractions

2 1 4 2
Example 1 Find the product:
+ 1

Solution: The correct answer is 4x(x + 1), x 1, 0.

2 1 4 2 ( 1)(+1) 4 2
=
+ 1 + 1

= 4( 1), 0, 1.

3 2 +2
Example 2 Express in simplest form: ( )( )
2 4 6

Solution: The correct answer is , x 0, 2
2( 2)

3 2 +2 3 2 +2
( 2 4) ( ) = ( 2)( + 2) 6
6

= 2( 2).

2 2 2
Example 3 Multiply:
2 2 +

Solution: Factor numerators and denominators. Then, divide numerators

and denominators by common factors x, (x y), (x + y).

2 ()(+)
= , 0, 0,
() (+)
 Part 3
Dividing Algebraic Fractions

+ 5 2 25
Example 1 Divide:
2

Solution: Write second fraction as its reciprocal and multiply.

+ 5 2 25 + 5 2
=
2 2 25
+ 5 2
= (
+ 5)( 5)

= , 0, 5
5

1 1
Example 2 Simplify: ( ) (1 )

1
Solution: The correct answer is , 0, 0,

Write each expression in parentheses as a single fraction.

1 1
( ) (1 ) =


=

1
= , 0, 0,

 2 + 6 2
Example 3 Express as a single fraction in simplest terms:
2 1 1
+ 3
Solution: The correct answer is , r 1, 2
+ 1

2 + 6 2 ( + 3)( 2) 1
=
2 1 1 ( + 1)( 1) 2

+ 3
=
+ 1
 Part 4
Adding / Subtracting Algebraic Fractions
3
Example 1 Subtract:
8 4

Solution: The correct answer is .
8
LCD = 8.
3 3 2
= =
8 4 8 8 8

5 1 5+2
Example Express as a fraction in simplest terms:
2 3

5 7
Solution: The correct answer is ,y0
6

LCD = 6y
5 1 5+2 3(5 1) 2(5+2)
=
2 3 6 6
15 3 10 4
=
6
5 7
=
6
 2 3
Example Write the sum of and as a single fraction in
+ 1 2 1
simplest form.
2 + 1
Solution: The correct answer is , 1.
2 1

LCD = 2 1 = ( 1)( + 1)
2 3 2(1) 3
+ = (1)(+1) +
+ 1 2 1 (1)(+1)

2 2 + 3
= (1)(+1)

2 + 1
= .
2 1
 Part 5
Applications of Algebraic Fractions

Example 1 If a man buys several articles for n cents per dozen and his
selling price is cents per article, what is his profit, in cents, on each
article?

Solution:
Profit = Selling Price Cost

=
9 12
Least common denominator is 36.
4 3
Profit =
36 36

=
36

Example 2 Find the capacity of an oil tank if an addition of 15 gal raises

1 5
the reading from to full.
4 8

Solution: The correct answer is 40 gal.

1 5
+ 15 =
4 8
2x + 120 = 5x
120 = 3x
x = 40
 6 3
Example 3 Solve for y: + = 2.
2

Solution: The correct answer is 3.

LCD = 2y
6 3
(2) + (2) = (2) 2
2
12 + y 3 = 4y
9 = 3y
y=3