RATL 2 | Lesson 2 | Watch (Adding Rational Expressions)

Adding Rational Expressions

The strategy for adding rational numbers also works for adding and subtracting rational expressions.

One example of the addition of rational expressions is:

\[\dfrac2{x^2+6x+8}+\dfrac{3x}{x^2+7x+10}=\]

Factor denominators

\[\dfrac{2}{(x+2)(x+4)} + \dfrac{3x}{(x+2)(x+5)}=\]

Find common denominator

\[\dfrac{2(x+5)+3x(x+4)}{(x+2)(x+5)(x+4)} = \dfrac{3x^2+14x+10}{x^3+11x^2+38x+40}\]

Finish by writing equivalent fractions with like denominators, adding numerators, and then simplify.

Watch the following Khan Academy Videos for more examples:


Go to Practice (Adding Rational Expressions)

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