Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

To simplify a rational expression:
Step 1:  Factor all denominators as a means to easily determine the LCD.
Step 2:  Multiply by the appropriate factors to obtain equivalent terms with a common denominator. 
Step 3:  Add or subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. 
Step 4:  Simplify the resulting algebraic fraction.



A more involved example follows:

It is always a good idea to state the restrictions.  Remember that the restrictions are the values that produce zero in the denominator.

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