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Subtracting Algebraic Fractions Flashcards
GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel) 1MA1
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Algebraic fraction
A fraction where the numerator and/or denominator contains algebraic expressions.
Key step in subtracting algebraic fractions
Find a common denominator for the fractions.
Simplify algebraic fractions
Factorise the numerators and denominators where possible before subtracting.
Subtracting fractions with the same denominator
Subtract the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
Subtracting fractions with different denominators
Rewrite the fractions with a common denominator before subtracting.
Example: \( \frac{x}{3} - \frac{2}{3} \)
Combine the numerators: \( \frac{x - 2}{3} \).
Example: \( \frac{1}{x} - \frac{2}{x^2} \)
Find a common denominator (\( x^2 \)): \( \frac{x}{x^2} - \frac{2}{x^2} = \frac{x - 2}{x^2} \).
Simplifying after subtraction
Factorise the numerator and cancel common factors with the denominator, if possible.
Common mistake in subtracting algebraic fractions
Forgetting to find a common denominator when the denominators are different.
Final step in subtracting algebraic fractions
Check if the result can be simplified further by factorising and cancelling common factors.
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