Algebra II Recipe: Addition, Subtraction, and Complex Fractions

1. Add or subtract the numerators.
2. Put the result over the common denominator.
3. Simplify the fraction if possible.

Check your answer

1. Factor each denominator.
2. Multiply the numerator and denominator of each fraction by the factor or factors that its denominator is missing.
3. Write the result of all the multiplying. (Leave the denominator in factored form.)
4. Add or subtract the numerators.
5. Put the result over the common denominator.
6. Simplify the fraction if possible.

Check your answer

1. Write the numerator and denominator as single fractions by adding or subtracting.
2. Rewrite the problem changing the main fraction bar to a division symbol.
3. Change the division problem to multiplying by the reciprocal.
4. Simplify completely.

Check your answer