Fractions in Algebra

We can add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions in algebra in the same way we do in simple arithmetic.

Adding Fractions

To add fractions there is a simple rule:

Example:

x2 + y5 = (x)(5) + (2)(y)(2)(5)

= 5x+2y10

Subtracting Fractions

Subtracting fractions is very similar, except that the + is now −

Example:

x + 2x  −  xx − 2  =  (x+2)(x−2) − (x)(x)x(x−2)  

=  (x² − 2²) − x²x² − 2x

=  −4x² − 2x