Algebra (Period 4)

Add and subtract rational expressions with LIKE DENOMINATORS: 10-4
Add and subtract with UNLIKE DENOMINATORS: 10-5
When adding with LIKE DENOMINATORS,
simply add the numerators,
simplify

When subtracting with LIKE DENOMINATORS,
CHANGE THE SIGNS
OF EACH TERM IN THE NUMERATOR AFTER THE SUBTRACTION SIGN,
THEN ADD (double check!!!)

When adding or subtracting with UNLIKE DENOMINATORS,
find the common denominator (the least common multiple of all denominators),
then use equivalent fractions to restate each numerator using the new common denominator.
EXAMPLE:
2 + x
x² - 16 x – 4

First, factor the denominators if possible



2x + x
(x + 4)(x - 4) x – 4

Find the LCM = (x + 4)(x - 4);

2x + (x + 4)(x)
(x + 4)(x - 4) (x + 4)(x - 4)


Restate both fractions with the LCM

2x + x² + 4x
(x + 4)(x - 4)


Now add the numerators

x² + 6x =
(x + 4)(x - 4)

Simplify and re-factor numerator, if possible
x(x + 6)
(x + 4)(x - 4)