You are here:

Algebra/College Algebra Complex Fractions

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/11/2010


Question

Complex Fractions
I am returning to College Algebra & do not remember how to do complex fractions. Samples attached. Can you please help?
Thank you

Answer
You just have to work them a step at a time.  
1. 1 +1/(1+x) = (2+x)/(1+x) so then you have 1 - (1+x)/(2+x) which gives you 1/(2+x)
and then 1 + (2+x) = 3+x
2.1-1/y = (y-1)/y,  y-1/y = (y^2-1)/y so that gives you 1 - (y^2-1)/(y-1) = 1-(y+1) = -y
3. 1+2/(1-x) = (3-x)/(1-x) so you have 2 + 3(1-x)/(3-x), that's it.

Richard J. Raridon

Expertise

I can answer questions in physics, chemistry, algebra, trigonometry

Experience

Have answered 10,000 questions on AskMe.com in the past two years

Organizations
Sigma Xi, AAAS

Publications
chemistry and physics journals

Education/Credentials
BA in math and physics, MA in physics, PhD in chemistry

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.