7.4 Complex Fractions
What You Will Learn
 Simplify complex fractions using rules for
dividing rational expressions.
 Simplify complex fractions having a sum or
difference in the numerator and/or
denominator.
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Complex Fractions
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Complex Fractions
Problems involving the division of two rational expressions
are sometimes written as complex fractions.
A complex fraction is a fraction that has a fraction in its
numerator or denominator, or both.
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Example 1 – Simplifying a Complex Fraction
Simplify the complex fraction.
Solution
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Example 1 – Simplifying a Complex Fraction
cont’d
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Complex Fractions with Sums or
Differences
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Complex Fractions with Sums or Differences
Complex fractions can have numerators and/or
denominators that are sums or differences of fractions.
One way to simplify such a complex fraction is to combine
the terms so that the numerator and denominator each
consist of a single fraction.
Then divide by inverting the denominator and multiplying.
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Example 4 – Simplifying a Complex Fraction
Simplify the complex fraction.
Solution
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Example 4 – Simplifying a Complex Fraction
cont’d
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Homework:
Page 346
#’s 1, 3, 10, 13, 17, 23, 25, 27, 31
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