Algebra 2 9-2 Name ____________ 1

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Remember from arithmetic that in order to add (or subtract)

fractions, they must first be written as equivalent fractions with
a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD)
is usually used. The LCD is the least common multiple (LCM) of
the denominators. We can use the same method to add and
subtract rational expressions as well.

When Denominators Are the Same or Opposites

When adding or subtracting rational expressions with the same

denominator, add or subtract the numerators and keep the same
denominator.

Example 1:

Example 2:

Example 3:
Algebra 2 9-2 Name ____________ 2
When Denominators Are Different

Example 4: Find the LCM of 15a2bc3, 16b5c2, and

20a3c6.

Example 5: Find the LCM of x3 – x2 - 2x and x2 – 4x +

4.

Example 6:

First find the LCM of the denominators: 10x. Then

multiply each expression by a form of 1. For each
expression choose whatever symbol for 1 will give
you the LCM in each denominator.

Example 7:

Example 8: Add or subtract the rational expressions.

2 5 3 8
a. + b. −
3x 6x x +2 x −2

5a 2 9
c. Simplify +
6b 14 a 2 b 2
x +10 3 x +15
d. Simplify −
3 x −15 6 x −30
Algebra 2 9-2 Name ____________ 3

A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in its

numerator or denominator.

Example 9: Simplify each complex fraction.

1 1
+
a b
a. 1
−1
b

1 3
+
x 2x
b. 1 3
+
3x 4x

1
x +2
c. 4
6+
x

Example 10: Find the slope of the line that passes through P(
3 1
,
k 3
) and
1 2
Q( 2 , k ).

Assignment: Pages 482 – 484, 14 – 44 e, 52 – 60 even