How to Add Rational

Expressions
1. Factor all the Denominators.
2. Find the LCD.
3. Multiply numerator and denominator to
get LCD.
4. Simplify the numerator and factor it, if
possible.
DO NOT MULTPLY OUT THE DENOMINATOR AT
THIS POINT.
5. Cancel any common factors.
 Example 1

5a a  4 2a  1 3
 2
5a 3a 5a 3
What is the LCD ?
LCD = 15a2
 Example 1

5a a  4 2a  1 3
 2
5a 3a 5a 3

2 2
5a  20a  6a  3 5a  26a  3
2
 2
15a 15a
 Example 2

2 5 x  1 3 3x  4 1 x  2
 
2 3x 3 2x 1 6x

What is the LCD?

LCD = 6x
 Example 2
2 5 x  1 3 3x  4 1 x  2
 
2 3x 3 2x 1 6x
10 x  2  9 x  12  x  2

6x
20 x  16 4 (5 x  4 ) 2 (5 x  4)
 Factor  
6x 6x 3x
 Example 3
x 8 3
2
 2
x 4 x  2x
x 8 3 LCD = x(x+2)(x-2)
 
( x  2)( x  2) x( x  2)

x x 8 3 ( x  2)
 
x ( x  2)( x  2) x( x  2) ( x  2)
2
x( x  8)  3( x  2) x  8 x  3x  6
 
x( x  2)( x  2) x( x  2)( x  2)
 Example
2
x  8 x  3x  6

x( x  2)( x  2)
2
x  5x  6 ( x  3)
 
x( x  2)( x  2) x( x  2)

( x  2)( x  3)

x( x  2)( x  2)