1. 8.5 Add and Subtract Rational Expressions

2. Remember: When adding or subtracting fractions, you need a common denominator!

3. Examples:

4. Example:
** Needs a common denominator 1st! Sometimes it helps to factor the denominators to make it easier to find your LCD.
LCD: 3x3(2x+1)

5. Example:
LCD: (x+3)2(x-3)

6. Complex Fraction – a fraction with a fraction in the numerator and/or denominator.
Such as:
How would you simplify this complex fraction?
Multiply the top by the reciprocal of the bottom!

7. Steps to make complex fractions easier.
Condense the numerator and denominator into one fraction each. (if necessary)
Divide the numerator by the denominator. (Multiply by inverse of denominator)
Simplify the remaining fraction.

8. Example:

9. Example:

10. Last Example: