Intermediate Algebra Tutorial 34


Intermediate Algebra
Answer/Discussion to Practice Problems
Tutorial 34: Complex Fractions


WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > Intermediate Algebra > Tutorial 34: Complex Fractions


 

checkAnswer/Discussion to 1a

problem 1a
 
 

Step 1:   If needed, rewrite the numerator and denominator so that they are each a single fraction.

 
Combining only the numerator we get:

 
ad1a1
*Rewrite fractions with LCD of 10
 
 

 
 

Combining only the denominator we get:

 
ad1a2
*Rewrite fractions with LCD of 6
 

 
 

Putting these back into the complex fraction we get:

 
ad1a3

*Write numerator over denominator

 
Step 2:  Divide the numerator by the denominator by multiplying the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator

AND

Step 3: If needed, simplify the rational expression.
 

ad1a4

*Rewrite div. as mult. of reciprocal
 
 

*Divide out a common factor of 2
 
 

(return to problem 1a)

 


 

checkAnswer/Discussion to 1b

problem 1b
 
 

Rewriting the expression with positive exponents, we get:

 
ad1b1

 
 
 

*Rewrite with positive exponents

 
 

Step 1: Multiply the numerator and denominator of the overall complex fractions by the LCD of the smaller fractions.

 
The two denominators of the numerator's fractions have the following factors:

 
x and y

 
The two denominators of the denominator's fractions  have the following factors:

 
ad1b2  and ad1b3

 
Putting all the different factors together and using the highest exponent, we get the following LCD for all the small fractions:

 
ad1b4

 
Multiplying numerator and denominator by the LCD we get:

 
ad1b5

*Mult. num. and den. by x squared y squared
 
 
 
 

 
 

Step 2: If needed, simplify the rational expression.

 
ad1b6

 

*Factor out the GCF of 2xy in the num.
*Den. factors as a difference of two squares
 
 

(return to problem 1b)

 

Buffalo Top

 

WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab >Intermediate Algebra >Tutorial 34: Complex Fractions


Last revised on July 17, 2011 by Kim Seward.
All contents copyright (C) 2001 - 2011, WTAMU and Kim Seward. All rights reserved.