Solving 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 part 1 we saw how to simplify, and add and subtract algebraic fractions. We discovered that algebraic fractions follow the same principles as numeric fractions. In this video we’re going to look at how to solve problems involving algebraic fractions. When solving, we could treat them as fractions and make the same denominator to add or subtract. But it’s much easier to cross multiply to get rid of the denominators completely, so this is the method we use in this video. Multiply up one denominator at a time, making sure you multiply every numerator. Do not miss any term out. Multiply EVERYTHING in the question. Quite often when solving algebraic fractions, we end up with quadratics which we need to factorise. This then means we might end up with two different values of x. As always in maths, it’s really good practice to go back and check your answers, but substituting them in.