1. Simplify the following:

2. To add or subtract rational expressions use the addition property:

5. =1, x ≠ -4 After you have combined the rational expressions, simplify the result! Don’t forget the restriction!

6. One more easy one…

7. What if the denominators are different?

8.  factor each denominator  write the different factors  give each factor the highest power to which it occurs  multiply the results To add or subtract fractions with different denominators find the least common denominator (LCD), change each fraction so that it has that denominator then add or subtract

9.  Factor each  write each factor  give each highest exponent  multiply results  (y+4)(y-4) and (y-4)²  (y+4)(y-4)  (y+4)(y-4)²

10.  LCD =  change each fraction to LCD  add/subtract  Simplify if you can!

13. WATCH FOR THIS TRICK! - IF THE DENOMINATORS HAVE OPPOSITE FACTORS, THEN CHANGE ONE OF THEM USING THE 3 SIGNS OF A FRACTION RULE.

14. Do you see the TRICK?