Factoring and

Algebraic Fractions 11
DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Directions: Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before
your answer.

Answers are at the end of the chapter.

3
n 2n  3x 2 
1. Find the sum of and . 4. Find an expression equivalent to  y  .
4 3  
2n 2 27 x 5
(A) (A)
7 3y
3n 9x6
(B) (B)
7 y3
11n 9x5
(C) (C)
12 y3
2n 2 27 x 5
(D) (D)
12 y3
9n 27 x 6
(E) (E)
12 y3
a
2. Combine into a single fraction: 2 − . 1
b
2−a 5. Simplify 2 + a
(A) b
b
a
2−a 2a + 1
(B) (A)
2−b b
a − 2b
(C) 2a + 1
b (B)
a
2b − a
(D) 2a + 1
b
(C)
2a − b ab
(E)
b 4a2 + 1
(D)
x−5 5− x xy
3. Divide by .
x+5 5+ x 2b + 1
(E)
(A) 1 b
(B) –1
( x − 5 )2
(C)
( x + 5 )2
−
( x − 5 )2
(D)
( x + 5 )2
(E) 0

155
156 Chapter 11

1 1
−
6. Simplify a b 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 9. If x + y = 2 and x − y = 4 , find x 2 − y 2
b−a
(A) 3
2
(A)
a−b 4
(B) 1
2 (B)
b−a 4
(C) 3
2ab (C)
16
ba
(D) 1
2 (D)
8
2ab 7
(E) (E)
b+a 8
7. If x + y = 16 and x2 – y2 = 48, then x – y equals 10. The trinomial x2 – x – 20 is exactly divisible by
(A) 3 (A) x – 4
(B) 32 (B) x – 10
(C) 4 (C) x + 4
(D) 36 (D) x – 2
(E) 6 (E) x + 5
8. If (x + y)2 = 100 and xy = 20, find x2 + y2.
(A) 100
(B) 20
(C) 40
(D) 60
(E) 80

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 157

1. SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS
In simplifying fractions, we must divide the numerator and denominator by the same factor. We can multiply or
divide both the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same number without changing the value of the
fraction. However, if we were to add or subtract the same number in the numerator and denominator, the value of
9 3 9 3⋅3
the fraction would not remain the same. When we simplify to , we are really saying that = and then
12 4 12 3 ⋅ 4
9 5+ 4 9 4
dividing the numerator and denominator by 3. We may not say that = and then say that = . This is
12 5 + 7 12 7
9t 3 9+t
a serious error in algebra as well. = because we divide numerator and denominator by 3t. However,
12t 4 12 + t
cannot be simplified, as there is no factor that divides into the entire numerator as well as the entire denominator.
Never cancel terms! That is, never cancel parts of numerators or denominators containing + or – signs unless they
are enclosed in parentheses as parts of factors. This is one of the most frequent student errors. Be very careful to
avoid it.

Example:
4 b 2 + 8b
Simplify
3b 3 + 6b 2
Solution:

Factoring the numerator and denominator by removing the largest common factor in both cases, we
4b ( b + 2)
have
3b 2 ( b + 2 )
4
The factors common to both numerator and denominator are b and (b + 2). Dividing these out, we have .
3b

Example:
x 2 + 6x + 8
Simplify to simplest form.
x 2 + x − 12
Solution:

There are no common factors here, but both numerator and denominator may be factored as
( x + 4)( x + 2) ( x + 2)
( )( ) ( )
trinomials. x + 4 x − 3 gives x − 3 as a final answer. Remember not to cancel the x’s as they are

terms and not factors.

Example:
10 − 2 x
Simplify to simplest form.
x2 − 4x − 5
Solution:
The numerator contains a common factor, while the denominator must be factored as a trinomial.
 5− x 
2 
 ( x − 5)( x + 1) 

When numbers are reversed around a minus sign, they may be turned around by factoring out a (–1).5 – x =
−2
(– 1)(x – 5). Doing this will enable us to simplify the fraction to . Remember that if the terms had been
x +1
reversed around a plus sign, the factors could have been divided without factoring further, as a + b = b + a, by the
cummutative law of addition. Subtraction, however, is not commutative, necessitating the factoring of –1.

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158 Chapter 11

Exercise 1
Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before your answer.
3x 3 − 3x 2 y b 2 + b − 12
1. Simplify to simplest form: 4. Simplify to simplest form:
9 x 2 − 9 xy b 2 + 2b − 15
x 4
(A) (A)
6 5
x 4
(B) (B) −
3 3
2x b+4
(C) (C)
3 b+5
b−4
(D) 1 (D)
b−5
x−y b+4
(E) (E) −
3 b+5
2x − 8
2. Simplify to simplest form:
12 − 3x 2x + 4 y
2 5. Simplify to simplest form: 6 x + 12 y
(A) −
3
2 2
(B) (A)
3 3
2
−
4 (B) −
(C) 3
3
1
4 (C) −
(D) 3
3
3 1
(E) − (D)
2 3

3x − y 2
(E) 3
3. Find the value of y − 3 x when x = and
7
3
y= .
10
24
(A)
70
11
(B)
70
(C) 0
(D) 1
(E) –1

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 159

2. ADDITION OR SUBTRACTION OF FRACTIONS

In adding or subtracting fractions, it is necessary to have the fractions expressed in terms of the same common
denominator. When adding or subtracting two fractions, use the same shortcuts used in arithmetic. Remember
a c ad + bc a c ad − bc
that + = , and that − = . All sums or differences should be simplified to simplest form.
b d bd b d bd

Example:
3 2
Add +
a b
Solution:
3b + 2a
Add the two cross products and put the sum over the denominator product:
ab
Example:
2a 4a
Add +
3 5
Solution:
10 a + 12a 22a
=
15 15
Example:
5a 5b
Add +
a+b a+b
Solution:
Since both fractions have the same denominator, we must simply add the numerators and put the
sum over the same denominator.
5a + 5b 5(a + b)
= =5
a+b a+b
Example:
4r − s 2r − 7s
Subtract −
6 6
Solution:
Since both fractions have the same denominator, we subtract the numerators and place the
difference over the same denominator. Be very careful of the minus sign between the fractions as it
will change the sign of each term in the second numerator.
4r − s − (2r − 7s) 4r − s − 2r + 7s 2r + 6s 2(r + 3s) r + 3s
= = = =
6 6 6 6 3

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160 Chapter 11

Exercise 2
Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before your answer.

6x + 5y 4 x + y x+4 1
1. Subtract − 4. Add +
2x 2x 6 2
(A) 1 + 4y x+7
(A)
(B) 4y 6
(C) 1 + 2y x +5
(B)
x + 2y 8
(D) x+4
x (C)
x + 3y 12
(E) x +5
x (D)
12
3c 3d x +5
2. Add + (E)
c+d c+d 6

6cd 3b 7b
(A) 5. Subtract −
c+d 4 10
3cd
(B) 2b
c+d (A) −
3
3 b
(C) (B)
2 5
b
(D) 3 (C)
20
9cd
(E) (D) b
c+d
2b
(E)
a 3a 3
3. Add +
5 10
4a
(A)
15
a
(B)
2
3a 2
(C)
50
2a
(D)
25
3a 2
(E)
15

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 161

3. MULTIPLICATION OR DIVISION OF FRACTIONS

In multiplying or dividing fractions, we must first factor all numerators and denominators and may then divide all
factors common to any numerator and any denominator. Remember always to invert the fraction following the
division sign. Where exponents are involved, they are added in multiplication and subtracted in division.
Example:
x3 y3
Find the product of 2 and .
y x2
Solution:
Factors common to both numerator and denominator are x2 in the first numerator and second
denominator and y2 in the first denominator and second numerator. Dividing by these common
x y
factors, we are left with ⋅ . Finally, we multiply the resulting fractions, giving an answer of xy.
1 1
Example:
15a 2 b
Divide by 5a3.
2
Solution:
We invert the divisor and multiply.
15a 2 b 1
⋅ 3
2 5a 3b 1 3b
We can divide the first numerator and second denominator by 5a2, giving ⋅ or .
2 a 2a

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162 Chapter 11

Exercise 3
Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before your answer.
x2 y4 2a 2 b
1. Find the product of 3 and 5 4. Divide 4abc by
y x 3d 2
y2 8a 3 b 2 c
(A) 3 (A)
x 3d 2
y a
(B) (B)
x3 6cd 2
x3 2ac
(C) (C)
y bd 2
x8 6cd 2
(D) (D)
y7 a
x 5cd 2
(E) y
(E)
a
b
2. Multiply c by
c 3a 2 c 4
b 5. Divide by 6ac2
(A) 4b2
c2
c2 ac 2
(B) (A)
b 8b 2
(C) b ac 2
(B)
(D) c 4b2
(E) bc2 4b2
(C)
ac 2
ax x
3. Divide by by y 8b 2
(D)
ac 2
ax 2 ac 2
(A) (E)
by 2 6b 2
b
(B)
a
a
(C)
b
by 2
(D)
ax 2
ay
(E)
bx

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 163

4. COMPLEX ALGEBRAIC FRACTIONS

Complex algebraic fractions are simplified by the same methods reviewed earlier for arithmetic fractions. To
eliminate the fractions within the fraction, multiply each term of the entire complex fraction by the lowest quan-
tity that will eliminate them all.
Example: 3 2
+
Simplify x y
6
Solution:
3y + 2 x
We must multiply each term by xy, giving 6 xy
.
No more simplification is possible beyond this. Remember never to cancel terms or parts of terms.
We may only simplify by dividing factors.

Exercise 4
Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before your answer.
1 3 1 1
−
−
5 2 x y
1. Simplify 3 3. Simplify 1 1
+
4 x y
15
(A) x−y
26 (A) x + y
15
(B) − x+y
26 (B) x − y
(C) 2 y− x
(C) x+y
26
(D) (D) –1
15
26 (E) –xy
(E) −
15 1
a 4. Simplify 1 + x
1
x2
y
2. Simplify a 2
x+y
x (A)
x
x (B) 2y
(A)
a (C) x+1
1 y +1
(B) (D)
a2 x x
1 x +1
(C) (E)
ax y
(D) ax 1

a 5. Simplify 2 + t
(E) 2
x
t2
(A) t2 + t
(B) t3
2t + 1
(C)
2
(D) t+1
4+t
(E)
2

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164 Chapter 11

5. USING FACTORING TO FIND MISSING VALUES

Certain types of problems may involve the ability to factor in order to evaluate a given expression. In particular,
you should be able to factor the difference of two perfect squares. If an expression consists of two terms that are
separated by a minus sign, the expression can always be factored into two binomials, with one containing the sum
of the square roots and the other their difference. This can be stated by the identity x2 – y2 = (x + y)(x – y).
Example:
If m2 – n2 = 48 and m + n = 12, find m – n.
Solution:
Since m2 – n2 is equal to (m + n) (m – n), these two factors must multiply to 48. If one of them is 12,
the other must be 4.
Example:
If (a + b)2 = 48 and ab = 6, find a2 + b2.
Solution:
(a + b)2 is equal to a2 + 2ab + b2. Substituting 6 for ab, we have a2 + 2(6) + b2 = 48 and a2 + b2 = 36.

Exercise 5
Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before your answer.
1 1
1. If a + b = and a − b = , find a2 – b2. 4. The trinomial x2 + 4x – 45 is exactly divisible
3 4
1 by
(A)
12 (A) x + 9
1 (B) x – 9
(B)
7 (C) x + 5
2 (D) x + 15
(C)
7 (E) x – 3
1
(D)
6 1 1
1 1 1 1
5. If − = 5 and + = 3 , then 2 − 2 =
(E) none of these c d c d c d

2. If (a – b)2 = 40 and ab = 8, find a2 + b2. (A) 16

(B) 34
(A) 5 (C) 2
(B) 24 (D) 15
(C) 48 (E) cannot be determined
(D) 56
(E) 32
3. If a + b = 8 and a2 – b2 = 24, then a – b =
(A) 16
(B) 4
(C) 3
(D) 32
(E) 6

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 165

RETEST
Work out each problem. Circle the letter that appears before your answer.
1
2n n 3− x
1. Find the sum of and . 5. Simplify y
5 10
3n 2 x
(A) (A) y
50
2x
1 (B)
(B) n y
2
3− x
2n 2 (C)
(C) y
50 3x − 1
2n 2 (D)
(D) x
10 3x − 1
1 (E) y
(E) n
2 1
x 3−
Combine into a single fraction: y − 3
x
2. 6. 3 is equal to
x − 3y x 2
(A) y x2 − x
(A)
x−3 3
(B) y 3x 2 − x
(B)
x−9 3
(C) 3y (C) x2 – x
x − 3y 3x − 1
(D) (D)
3 3
x − 3y 3− x
(E) 3y
(E)
3
7. If a2 – b2 = 100 and a + b = 25, then a – b =
x 2 + 2x − 8 2− x
3. Divide by . (A) 4
4+ x 3
(B) 75
(A) 3
(C) –4
(B) –3
(D) –75
(C) 3(x – 2)
(E) 5
3
(D)
2− x 8. The trinomial x2 – 8x – 20 is exactly divisible by
(E) none of these (A) x – 5
3
 5a 3  (B) x – 4
4. Find an expression equivalent to  b  . (C) x – 2
 
(D) x – 10
15a 6 (E) x – 1
(A)
b3 1 1 1 1 1 1
15a 9 9. If − = 6 and + = 5 , find 2 − 2 .
(B) a b a b a b
b3 (A) 30
125a 6
(C) (B) –11
b3 (C) 61
125a 9
(D) (D) 11
b3
25a 6 (E) 1
(E)
b3 10. If (x – y)2 = 30 and xy = 17, find x2 + y2.
(A) –4
(B) 4
(C) 13
(D) 47
(E) 64

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166 Chapter 11

SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICE EXERCISES

Diagnostic Test Exercise 1

3n + 8n 11n 3 x 2 ( x − y) x
1. (C) = 1. (B) =
12 12 9 x ( x − y) 3
2 a 2b − a 2( x − 4) 2
2. (D) − = 2. (A) =−
1 b b 3(4 − x ) 3
x −5 5+ x 3x − y
3. (B) ⋅ cancel x + 5’s. 3. (E) = −1 regardless of the values of x
x +5 5− x y − 3x
x−5 x−5
and y, as long as the denominator is not 0.
= = −1
5 − x −1( x − 5) (b + 4)(b − 3) (b + 4)
4. (C) =
3x 2 3x 2 3x 2 27 x 6 (b + 5)(b − 3) (b + 5)
4. (E) ⋅ ⋅ = 3
y y y y 2( x + 2 y) 2 1
5. (D) = =
5. (E) Multiply every term by a. 6( x + 2 y) 6 3

1
1 a
2+ a
b
= 2+ ⋅
a b
a
1 2b + 1
= 2+ =
b b

6. (C) Multiply every term by ab.

b−a
2ab
7. (A) x2 – y2 = (x + y) (x – y) = 48

Substituting 16 for x + y, we have

16( x − y) = 48
x−y=3
8. (D) (x + y)2 = x2 + 2xy + y2 = 100

Substituting 20 for xy, we have

x 2 + 40 + y 2 = 100
x 2 + y 2 = 60

9. (D)  1 1  1 1 1 1
 x + y   x − y  = 2 − 2
x y
 1  1 1 1
 2   4  = 2 − 2
x y
1 1 1
= −
8 x 2 y2

10. (C) x2 – x – 20 = (x – 5)(x + 4)

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 167

Exercise 2 Exercise 3
6x + 5y 4 x + y
1. (D) − 1. (B) Divide x2 and y3.
2x 2x
6 x + 5y − 4 x − y 2 x + 4 y 1 y y
= = ⋅ =
2x 2x 1 x3 x3
2( x + 2 y) x + 2 y b
= = 2. (C) c⋅ =b
2x x c
ax y a
3c + 3d 3(c + d )
= =3 3. (C) ⋅ Divide y and x.
2. (D) by x b
c+d c+d
2a + 3a 5a a 3d 2
3. (B) = = 4. (D) 4 abc ⋅ Divide 2, a, and b.
10 10 2 2a 2 b
x +4+3 x +7 3d 2 6cd 2
4. (A) = 2c ⋅ =
6 6 a a
3b(10) − 4(7b) 30 b − 28b 3a 2 c 4 1
5. (C) = 5. (A) ⋅ Divide 3, a, and c2.
4(10) 40 4 b 2 6ac 2
2b b ac 2 1 ac 2
= = ⋅ =
40 20 4 b 2 2 8b 2

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168 Chapter 11

Exercise 4 Exercise 5
1. (E) Multiply every term by 20. 1. (A) (a + b) (a – b) = a2 – b2
4 − 30 −26  1  1  2
=  3   4  = a − b
2
15 15
2. (C) Multiply every term by x2. 1
= a2 − b2
a 1 12
2
=
a x ax 2. (D) (a – b)2 = a2 – 2ab + b2 = 40
3. (C) Multiply every term by xy.
Substituting 8 for ab, we have
y− x
a 2 − 16 + b 2 = 40
y+ x
a 2 + b 2 = 56
4. (A) Multiply every term by xy.
3. (C) (a + b) (a – b) = a2 – b2
x+y
8(a − b) = 24
x
t2 (a − b) = 3
5. (E) Multiply every term by .
2 4. (A) x2 + 4x – 45 = (x + 9) (x – 5)
4+t
2 5. (D)  1 1  1 1 1 1
− + = −
 c d   c d  c 2 d 2

(5)(3) = 12 − 12
c d
1 1
15 = 2 − 2
c d

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 Factoring and Algebraic Fractions 169

Retest
4 n + n 5n n 1
1. (B) = = = n
10 10 2 2
x 3 x − 3y
2. (A) − =
y 1 y
x 2 + 2x − 8 3
3. (B) ⋅
4+ x 2− x
( x + 4)( x − 2) 3
= ⋅
4+ x 2− x
3( x − 2) 3( x − 2)
Divide x + 4. 2 − x = −1( x − 2) = −3

5a 3 5a 3 5a 3 125a 9
4. (D) ⋅ ⋅ =
b b b b3
5. (E) Multiply every term by x.
3x − 1
y
6. (B) Multiply every term by x2.
3x 2 − x
3
7. (A) a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b) = 100

Substituting 25 for a + b, we have

25(a – b) = 100
a–b=4

8. (D) x2 – 8x – 20 = (x – 10)(x + 2)

9. (A)  1 1  1 1 1 1
 a − b   a + b  = 2 − 2
a b

(6)(5) = 2 − 12
1
a b
1 1
30 = 2 − 2
a b
10. (E) (x – y)2 = x2 – 2xy + y2 = 30

Substituting 17 for xy, we have

x 2 − 34 + y 2 = 30
x 2 + y 2 = 64

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