Educator

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions with Like Denominators

• To add or subtract fractions with like denominators, add or subtract the numerators. Then simplify the result.

• Most of the time, the result will not simplify, but always check to see if the numerator and denominator have any common factors.

• Sometimes, instead of being equal, the two binomial denominators are additive inverses of each other. In such a situation, factor –1 out of either denominator to make the two denominators equal to each other. Then carry out the addition or subtraction as above. Be sure to include the factor of –1 as you are doing this.