Simplifying Complex Fractions

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Enter expression, e.g. (x^2-y^2)/(x-y)

Enter expression, e.g. x^2+5x+6

Enter expression, e.g. (x+1)^3

Enter a set of expressions, e.g. ab^2,a^2b

Enter equation to solve, e.g. 2x+3=4

Enter equation to graph, e.g. y=3x^2-1

Depdendent Variable

Number of equations to solve:

Equ. #1:

Equ. #2:

Equ. #3:

Equ. #4:

Equ. #5:

Equ. #6:

Equ. #7:

Equ. #8:

Equ. #9:

Solve for:

Enter inequality to solve, e.g. 2x+3>4

Enter inequality to graph, e.g. y<3x^2-1

Dependent Variable

Number of inequalities to solve:

Ineq. #1:

Ineq. #2:

Ineq. #3:

Ineq. #4:

Ineq. #5:

Ineq. #6:

Ineq. #7:

Ineq. #8:

Ineq. #9:

Solve for:

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Here is a method for simplifying complex fractions.

Procedure

To Simplify a Complex Fraction

Step 1 Find the LCD of the fractions contained in the complex fraction.

Step 2 Multiply the numerator and denominator of the complex fraction by the LCD.

Step 3 Simplify.

Example

Simplify:

Solution
Step 1 Find the LCD of the fractions contained in the complex fraction.
Factor x² - 5x.
The LCD is x(x - 5).
Step 2 Multiply the numerator and denominator of the complex fraction by the LCD.
Step 3 Simplify.
Distribute x(x - 5) in the denominator.
Cancel pairs of common factors in the numerator and in the denominator.	=
Simplify.

So, the result is .

Note:

We are multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number, x(x - 5). This means that we are multiplying the complex fraction by 1 in the form