2.1.6
Algebraic Fractions
Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.
Algebraic Fractions
Simplify algebraic fractions by factorising where possible and then cancelling terms on the top and bottom.

Multiplication
- To multiply two algebraic fractions together, multiply the tops and bottoms separately.

Division
- To divide by an algebraic fraction, turn it upside down and then multiply as usual.
Algebraic Fractions - Addition and Subtraction
To add (or subtract) algebraic fractions together, work out the common denominator and rewrite each so they all share the denominator. Then add (or subtract) the numerators.

Example
- The common denominator here is x(1 + x).

Step 1
- Multiply the top and bottom of middle term by (1 + x).
- Multiply the top and bottom of the last term by x.
- The denominators (bottom parts) are now all the same.

Step 2
- Add the numerators (top parts) together and keep the common denominator (bottom part).
1Numbers
1.1Integers
1.3Decimals
1.4Powers & Roots
1.5Set Language & Notation
1.6Percentages
1.7Ratio & Proportion
2Equations, Formulae & Identities
2.1Algebraic Manipulation
2.2Expressions & Formulae
2.3Linear Equations
2.4Quadratic Equations
2.5Proportion
3Sequences, Functions & Graphs
3.1Sequences
3.3Graphs
3.4Common Graphs
4Geometry
4.1Angles, Lines & Triangles
4.2Polygons
4.5Circle Properties
4.6Trigonometry & Pythagoras’ theorem
4.7Mensuration of 2D Shapes
4.83D Shapes & Volume
5Vectors & Transformation Geometry
6Statistics & Probability
6.1Statistical Measures
6.2Graphical Representation of Data
Jump to other topics
1Numbers
1.1Integers
1.3Decimals
1.4Powers & Roots
1.5Set Language & Notation
1.6Percentages
1.7Ratio & Proportion
2Equations, Formulae & Identities
2.1Algebraic Manipulation
2.2Expressions & Formulae
2.3Linear Equations
2.4Quadratic Equations
2.5Proportion
3Sequences, Functions & Graphs
3.1Sequences
3.3Graphs
3.4Common Graphs
4Geometry
4.1Angles, Lines & Triangles
4.2Polygons
4.5Circle Properties
4.6Trigonometry & Pythagoras’ theorem
4.7Mensuration of 2D Shapes
4.83D Shapes & Volume
5Vectors & Transformation Geometry
6Statistics & Probability
6.1Statistical Measures
6.2Graphical Representation of Data
Practice questions on Algebraic Fractions
Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.
- 1How do we divide 2 fractions?Multiple choice
- 2What is $$\frac{x+1}{2x-1} \times \frac{x-1}{x+6}$$?Multiple choice
- 3What is $$\frac{x+1}{2x-1} \div \frac{x-1}{x+6}$$?Multiple choice
- 4What is $$\frac{3x+3}{2x-7} \times \frac{x-4}{x+2}$$?Multiple choice
- 5What is $$\frac{2x-7}{3x+3} \div \frac{x-4}{x+2}$$?Multiple choice
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