ALGEBRA

2.3 Algebraic fraction

2.4 Indices (advanced)

2.3 Algebraic Fraction

Algebraic fractions should be treated in just the same way as numerical fractions. In order
to add (or subtract) two fractions, you need to write them with the same denominator.
ADDITION / SUBSTRACTION

Example 1
Write as single fraction :

x 1 3x 2

4
6

Solution :
The fractions have denominators of 4 and 6. These can be written with a common
denominator of 12:

Example 2
Write as a single fraction
Solution

3
2

x 1 x 5

The fractions have denominators of (x+1) and (x+5). These can be written
with a common denominator of (x+1)(x+5). The top and bottom of the first
fraction must be multiplied by (x+5), and similarly (x+1) for the second
fraction:
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Sometimes you may meet an equation containing algebraic fractions. You

could simplify the equation to end up with a single fraction on each side, and
then cross-multiply. An alternative method is to multiply both sides by a
factor large enough to clear the fractions away. The next example shows you
both approaches.

Example 3
Solve the equation:

5x 9 2 x 1 3

3
12
4

Solution :
Method 1

Method 2

EXERCISE A

Cancelling common factors in rational expressions

Some algebraic fractions can be simplified by factorising the top and/or the
bottom. You can then cancel any common factors.

Example 4
Simplify the expression:

8x 4
6x 4

Solution :

Example 5
Simplify the expression:

x2 8x
2x

Solution :

You may be asked to simplify a fraction where both the top and the
bottom are quadratic expressions. In such cases, factorise the
quadratics first. Then look to see if there is a common factor on the top
and bottom that can be cancelled out.
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Example 6

x 2 7 x 10
Simplify the expression:
x2 x 2
Solution :

You might have more than one factor available for cancelling, as in the
next example.

Example 7
8( x 3)5
Simplify the expression:
4( x 3) 2

Solution :

EXERCISE B

2.4 Indices (Advanced)

Previously you have learnt these :

a m a n amn
am
a a n a m n
a
(ab n ) m a m b mn
m

m
n

a a
a

1
m n

1
n

1
1
m or
a
a

n am

a
n

am

In this advanced section, we will deal with combination of rules stated there.
Base 2, 3, 4
20 =

21 =

22 =

23 =

24 =

25 =

30 =

31 =

32 =

33 =

34 =

40 =

41 =

42 =

43 =

44 =

How u change the following numbers in base operation ?

a) 12
b) 128
c) 10
d) 72

Example 8
Find the value of each of the following.
(i)

2
3

64 2 16
3

(ii)

1
2 2

3
4

81

Solution :
(i)
If you notice, 64 and 16 can be expressed in base 2 that is 26 and 24
2
6 3

(2 ) 23 (2 4 ) 1
24 23 24
243 ( 4)
23 8
(ii)

If you notice, 81 can be expressed in base 3 that is 34

1
2 2

2 3
3
4

3
4 4

4
2

2 3

2
2

12
4

3
2 3 4 3
3 3
3
3
1 3
4 3 4 32
2

1
1
4
2
3
9

4
9

Example 9

Simplify the following. 3hk 3 h 4 k 6 2h

2

3hk
3

h 4 k 6 2h

32 h 2 k 6 h 4 k 6 23 h3
32 23 h 2 4 3 k 6 6
72h
EXERCISE C
Find the value of the following
a

4
3

1
2

27 9 32

2
5

5 5 2
3

4
3

2
3

125

2
3

25 8

1
3

16

8 3 32 5

4 4

16 82

2 12 3

3
4

45 32
64 33

1
3

1
5 3

3 3

1
2

3
2

6 8 216
2

2
3

Find the following unknowns if

a

Given 2 X 2 k + 1 = 28 X 25

Find the value of

Given

Find the value of

Given 32 x 3m = 3 6

Find the value of

Given 27 x 3m = 38

Find the value of

Given

Find the value of

Given

Find the value of

Given

Find the value of

Given

Find the value of

2 y 16 4 8 3

1
3

x 1000 100
2

22 x

2
4

5(25 x3 )

6y

1
2

1
54

m 21
9
m

Simplify the following

a

3
4

h h
h3

9
4

a b a
ab
3 2 2

4 2

54
m m m

2
3

10

d x3 1 1
5
x

2
3

1
4

d e

de

1
2

16a 2b3 4ab

ab

3
2

1
2

Prepared by : Mr Sathya Seelan (010 377 5698)

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