Introduction

Just as one whole number divided by another is called a numerical fraction, so one algebraic expression divided by another is known as an algebraic fraction . Examples are

$\frac{x}{y},\frac{3x+2y}{x-y},\text{and}\frac{x^2+3x+1}{x-4}$

In this Section we explain how algebraic fractions can be simplified, added, subtracted, multiplied and divided.

Prerequisites

• be familiar with the arithmetic of numerical fractions

Learning Outcomes

• add, subtract, multiply and divide algebraic fractions