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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Simplifying Algebraic Fractions

Category: Algebra

"Published in Newark, California, USA"

Simplify in lowest term for
 

Solution:

Consider the given equation
 

Group the terms in the numerator
 

You notice that the first group is the sum and the difference of two squares and the second group is having a common coefficient. Let's factor the grouped terms as follows
 

The common factor at the numerator is (x + y). We can take out (x + y) from the group
 

Simplify the grouping at the second group
 

The (x - y + 2) will be cancelled as their Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
 

Therefore, the answer is x + y.