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Course: Algebra (all content) > Unit 13
Lesson 4: Adding & subtracting rational expressions- Intro to adding & subtracting rational expressions
- Add & subtract rational expressions: like denominators
- Add & subtract rational expressions (basic)
- Least common multiple
- Least common multiple: repeating factors
- Least common multiple
- Adding & subtracting rational expressions
- Add & subtract rational expressions: factored denominators
- Subtracting rational expressions
- Add & subtract rational expressions
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Intro to adding & subtracting rational expressions
Learn how to add or subtract two rational expressions into a single expression.
What you should be familiar with before taking this lesson
A rational expression is a quotient of two polynomials. For example, the expression is a rational expression.
If you are unfamiliar with rational expressions, you may want to check out our intro to rational expressions.
What you will learn in this lesson
In this lesson, you will learn how to add and subtract rational expressions.
Adding and subtracting rational expressions (common denominators)
Numerical fractions
We can add and subtract rational expressions in much the same way as we add and subtract numerical fractions.
To add or subtract two numerical fractions with the same denominator, we simply add or subtract the numerators, and write the result over the common denominator.
Variable expressions
The process is the same with rational expressions:
It is good practice to place the numerators in parentheses, especially when subtracting rational expressions. This way, we are reminded to distribute the negative sign!
For example:
Check your understanding
Adding and subtracting rational expressions (different denominators)
Numerical fractions
To understand how to add or subtract rational expressions with different denominators, let's first examine how this is done with numerical fractions.
For example, let's find .
Notice that a common denominator of was needed to add the two fractions:
- The denominator in the first fraction (
) needed a factor of . - The denominator in the second fraction (
) needed a factor of .
Each fraction was multiplied by a form of to obtain this.
Variable expressions
Now let's apply this to the following example:
In order for the two denominators to be the same, the first needs a factor of and the second needs a factor of . Let's manipulate the fractions in order to achieve this. Then, we can add as usual.
Notice that the first step is possible because and are equal to , and multiplication by does not change the value of the expression!
In the last two steps, we rewrote the numerator. While you can also expand in the denominator, it is common to leave this in factored form.
Check your understanding
What's next?
Our next article covers more challenging examples of adding and subtracting rational expressions.
You will learn about the least common denominator, and why it is important to use this as the common denominator when adding or subtracting rational expressions.
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