Algebraic Fractions

Algebraic fractions are simply fractions with algebraic expressions either on the top, bottom or both. We treat them in the same way as we would numerical fractions.

In this video we look at how to simplify algebraic fractions, and how to add and subtract them.

We can simplify by cancelling the numerator and denominator equally, as with numerical fractions. To simplify fully we may need to factorise the numerator or denominator or both. To add or subtract algebraic fractions, the denominators need to be the same. To achieve this, we need to cross multiply both fractions - exactly as you do with numerical fractions.