Algebraic expressions in mathematics consist of constants and variables related by algebraic operations (additions, subtractions, multiplications, and divisions). A fraction is the division of two expressions: for example are fractions of expressions containing constants and / or variables.
Explore our app and discover over 50 million learning materials for free.
Lerne mit deinen Freunden und bleibe auf dem richtigen Kurs mit deinen persönlichen Lernstatistiken
Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenNie wieder prokastinieren mit unseren Lernerinnerungen.
Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenAlgebraic expressions in mathematics consist of constants and variables related by algebraic operations (additions, subtractions, multiplications, and divisions). A fraction is the division of two expressions: for example are fractions of expressions containing constants and / or variables.
An equation is a mathematical statement that consists of an equal symbol between two algebraic expressions. For example, is an equation.
Solving an equation means finding the value of the variable that makes the expressions on the left-hand side and the right-hand side equal; this value is called the solution of the equation. For example, the solution of the equation is : if you plug in this value on both sides of the equation you get .
This article deals with the presence of fractions in expressions and equations; such equations are called (unsurprisingly) fractional equations.
The primary step in dealing with fractional equations is to eliminate the fractions from them. Let's dive in and see how to achieve this!
If you are dealing with fractions in expressions, it is easiest to add and subtract them when there are common denominators. This means that we will find the equivalent fraction of the fractions involved by finding the Lowest Common Divisor (LCD) for the denominators of the terms.
Simplify
Solution:
What we will do here is to find a common denominator for the two terms so they can be added. Firstly, we will have to find the LCD for the denominators of the two fractions, 5 and 4. The lowest common divisor for both numbers will be 20. Now we will find the equivalent fraction for both.
If the denominator for the first fraction should now be 20, that means we probably multiplied the initial denominator, 5 by 4. This would mean we will have to multiply the numerator also by 4 to have an equivalent fraction.
We will do the same for the second fraction. 20 as a denominator also means that we must have multiplied 4 (as the denominator) by 5 to have 20 as the new denominator of the equivalent fraction. This means we will have to multiply the numerator also by 5.
We now have our new expression:
This becomes a lot easier to solve since all we have to do is add the numerators and maintain the denominators.
Since this cannot be simplified any further, we will leave it at that.
There could be more complicated problems where we may have to use a couple of techniques like factorizing and grouping. In these situations, one needs to be very careful about what particularly a term is, and when its components are being divided. Let us look at the example below:
Simplify
Solution:
Since we cannot cancel anything in this current expression, we may want to factorize to see what we can make of the situation. We will first group like terms in the numerator by rearranging so that terms containing x will be close together and terms containing b will also be close.
We will now factorize. The common factor in the first two terms in the numerator is x. That can be factored out. The common factor in the last two terms of the numerator is -b, and that can also be factored out.
The whole idea of factorizing here is building a common bracket so one can be taken out. Here we have and . Considering the commutative property of addition, both brackets are the same.
This will leave us with:
Now, we will factorize the denominator immediately. As ax appears common in both terms, that is what will be factored out.
We are now left with a situation where we can freely cancel out. in the denominator will cancel out in the numerator. This is true if is different from .
This is the simplest form we can get from this expression.
As mentioned earlier, the thing one should have their eyes on when dealing with equations involving fractions is to try to eliminate the fraction first. You should multiply all of the terms on both sides of the equation by the fraction's denominator.
If we were given the equation , we would first multiply the equation (which is technically also each term of the equation) by 2.
Solution:
After multiplying by 2, the fraction will cancel out.
We will now rearrange the equation to put like terms on different sides of the equation.
Divide both sides by 10
To check that this is indeed the solution of the equation you need to substitute the value of x back into the original equation:
Solve
Solution:
An equation with two fractions with the same denominator will have its terms being multiplied with the denominator, as mentioned earlier.
Like terms will now be grouped from this point.
Divide both sides by 4
To evaluate this, you would need to substitute the value of x back into the original equation.
Solve
Solution:
Our example is quite different from the usual here. Since we have two fractions with different denominators, we will find the LCM for both and multiply that with the equation. The LCM is 4, so
We will now expand what is in the parenthesis:
Group like terms:
Divide both sides by 13:
To evaluate this, you would need to substitute the value of x back into the original equation.
How to solve fractions in equations: First eliminate the fraction by multiplying the denominator by the equation, then group like terms. Now you do your additions and subtractions if there are any.
How to evaluate fraction expressions: Substitute variables solved for into the original expression back and solve.
The rules when you are adding or multiplying expressions are the commutative, associative, and distributive properties.
1/x +3 is an example of fraction in expressions.
2/3 + 2x = 4 is an example for fractions in equations.
What is an equation?
An equation is defined as a mathematical statement that consists of an equal symbol between two algebraic expressions that have the same value.
What is a term in algebra?
Terms are values on which mathematical operations take place in an equation.
Each term is separated by a plus (+) sign, a minus (-) sign or ______
An equal (=) sign
A significant condition dealing with equations is that because of the equal sign present, both sides must at all costs remain equal in attempting to operate them. Is this statement true or false?
True
The primary step in solving fractions in equations is______
To eliminate the fraction
The fractional property that aids in eliminating fractions from equations is the_______
Multiplication inverse property
Already have an account? Log in
Open in AppThe first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place
Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.
Save explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere!
Sign up with Email Sign up with AppleBy signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy of StudySmarter.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place
Already have an account? Log in