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Algebraic fractions

An algebraic fraction is simply a fraction which contains a variable in the numerator, denominator, or both.

To simplify an algebraic fraction, we follow similar steps to simplifying numerical fractions:

  1. Find the highest common factor (HCF) of the numerator and denominator.
  2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by the HCF.
  3. Write the simplified fraction.
  • The HCF of and is .
  • Divide both the numerator and denominator by :
  • Answer:
  • The HCF of and is .
  • Divide both the numerator and denominator by :
  • Answer:
  • The HCF of and is .
  • Divide both the numerator and denominator by :
  • Answer:
  • The HCF of and is .
  • Divide both the numerator and denominator by :
  • Answer: