Study Guide and Intervention (continued) - MathnMind

12-8
Simplify Complex Fractions If a fraction has one or more fractions in the numerator
or denominator, it is called a complex fraction.
Simplifying a
Complex Fraction
Example
4
2 a
a 2
3
ad
Any complex fraction where b 0, c 0, and d 0, can be expressed as . bc
a
b
c b
Simplify .
Find the LCD for the numerator and rewrite as like fractions.
Simplify the numerator.
2a
4
a
a 2
3
2a
4
a
a
a 2
3
2a 4 3
Rewrite as the product of the numerator and the reciprocal of the denominator.
a a 2
2(a 2) 3
Factor. a a 2
6
Divide and simplify.
a
Exercises
Simplify each expression.
2 2
5
3 3
4
1. 2.
3.
1
4. 5. 6.
1
x
1
1
1
x2
1
x
1
1
x
x2 25
NAME ______________________________________________ DATE ____________ PERIOD _____
Study Guide and Intervention (continued)
Mixed Expressions and Complex Fractions
4
2 a
a 2
3
3
x
4
y
12
x y
x 1
y 2 y 2
7.
8.
9.
x3 5x2 8
1 2
x x
2
1
x 3
2
9
© Glencoe/McGraw-Hill 748 Glencoe Algebra 1
x
y3
3
x
y2
x 2
3
2
y 2 y 2