Thursday, January 10, 2013

How do we simplify complex fractions?

I remember how many students disliked math because of the fractions, they thought fractions were just plain ugly. And it's true, that fractions might complicate a problem but it is not impossible!
Now, let's take things a step furhter and solve complex fractions. What are complex fractions? How do they look like? Here is an example:
                                                
Okay, it looks pretty tough but we're tougher! And we can get through this problem.
The way we're going to set out to solve this problem is by finding common denominators for both fractions.
For the first fraction on top, you will have to multiply 4 by x in the numinator and denominator. Your total answer for the top should be 4x+1 over x.
Then for the bottom fraction you should multiply the 3 by x^2 in the numinator and denominator. Your total answer for the bottom should be 3x^2+2 over x^2.
Then all you have to do after that is keep change flip, which means you have to keep the top fraction, change it from a division problem into a multiplication problem, and flip the bottom fraction.
Once you do that, you will be able to cancel out an x, and your final answer should be: 4x^2+x over 3x^2+2.

I know there are some of you that are visible learners so just for you guys (and for everyone else too) here is the problem:
                             

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