About Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions:

When we add or subtract rational expressions, we follow the same procedures we used with fractions. To add or subtract rational expressions, we must first obtain a common denominator. We then add or subtract numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Lastly, we factor numerator and denominator, cancel any common factors, and report a simplified answer.


Test Objectives
  • Demonstrate the ability to find the LCD for a group of rational expressions
  • Demonstrate the ability to add rational expressions
  • Demonstrate the ability to subtract rational expressions
Adding & Subtracting Rational Expressions Practice Test:

#1:

Instructions: Perform each indicated operation.

a) $$\frac{7}{2p + 2}+ \frac{p + 5}{7}$$


#2:

Instructions: Perform each indicated operation.

a) $$\frac{b + 8}{b^2 + 7b + 10}+ \frac{b - 3}{b + 5}$$


#3:

Instructions: Perform each indicated operation.

a) $$\frac{2x}{x + 1}- \frac{3x}{4x + 4}- \frac{2}{x^2 - 1}$$


#4:

Instructions: Perform each indicated operation.

a) $$\frac{2x}{2x^2 + 6x}+ \frac{2}{x + 3}$$


#5:

Instructions: Perform each indicated operation.

a) $$\frac{3}{x + 2}+ \frac{4}{x^2 - 2x +4}- \frac{13}{x^3 + 8}$$


Written Solutions:

#1:

Solutions:

a) $$\frac{2p^2 + 12p + 59}{14(p + 1)}$$


#2:

Solutions:

a) $$\frac{b^2 + 2}{(b + 5)(b + 2)}$$


#3:

Solutions:

a) $$\frac{5x^2 - 5x - 8}{4(x + 1)(x - 1)}$$


#4:

Solutions:

a) $$\frac{3}{x + 3}$$


#5:

Solutions:

a) $$\frac{3x^2 - 2x + 7}{(x+2)(x^2 -2x + 4)}$$