In this lesson, we will be looking at how to subtract rational expressions with the same denominator and rational expressions with different denominators.
When the denominators of two algebraic fractions are the same, we can subtract the numerators and then simplify when possible.
Example:
Simplify the following expression:
Solution:
When the denominators of two algebraic fractions are different, we need to find the Least Common Multiple of the denominators (or LCD) before we subtract the fractions.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Find the LCD
Step 2: Express each fraction with the LCD as the denominator.
Step 3: Subtract the numerators and simplify when possible.
Now we apply the above 3 steps in the following example.
Example:
Express the following as a fraction with a single denominator:
Solution:
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