Steps for Simplifying a Complex Fraction

Step 3

Find the LCD of all the mini-denominators.

Step 4

Multiply the fraction by the LCD divided by the LCD. *Equals 1 *Distribute the LCD to every term of the numerator & every term of the denominator. *Cancel all mini-denominators. *No mini-fraction - no cancel.

Step 2

Place parentheses around the polynomials. Completely factor the polynomials in mini-denominators.

Step 1

Rewrite the expression so there are no negative exponents.

Step 5

Simplify the resulting fractions, which is a rational algebraic expression. *You may need to clean-up the resulting fraction by using the order of operations. *Completely factor the numerator and denominator. Look to cancel common factors of multiplication. *Leave the answer in factored form to evidence the rational algebraic expression is completely simplified.