1) Lesson Objectives:

You should be able to

• Solving algebraic fractions

Always look through all examples in textbook before lesson.

Steps to simplifying algebraic fractions:

1. Check to see if you can factorise each term's denominator.

Types of factorisation methods :

• Taking out common factors [Ensure that ALL terms have common factors base on coefficient and variables]

• Grouping [Usually 4 terms and u must pair the terms in 2 brackets linked by plus sign]

• Cross Multiplication Method [Terms with variables that has highest power 2 ie: Quadratic]

• Difference of two squares [Two square terms that are linked by minus sign]

2. Find common denominator and combine all fractions into one single fraction.

3. To multiply numerator with the missing factor from the common denominator.

4. Expand numerator and simplify. DO NOT expand the denominator.

5. Check if the numerator can be factorised. If it can factorised, you must factorise.

6. Check if you can cancel common factors form both numerator and denominator. If there is you must cancel common denominator to make the fraction into it's simplest form.

Steps to solving algebraic fractions:

1. Follow Step 1 to 4 of steps to simplify algebraic fraction and at all time to write down the side that does not need to be simplified.

2. Once you have single fraction on both sides, cross multiply the denominator to the opposite side. [IMPT: ALWAYS FIX THE NUMERATOR AT THE ORIGINAL POSITION. ie: If the numerator is on the LHS it has to stay on the LHS after you cross multiply]

3. Move the terms to make the variable the subject of the equation to solve for it.