12/18/12 How do we add and subtract rational expression ?

How do we add and subtract rational expressions ?

-When adding and subtracting rational expressions, it takes the same method as adding and subtracting fractions.
Example : 4/x+8 +3/x-8
First find a common denominator of the expression ;
4/(x+8)(x-8) + 3 (x-8)(x+8)
Now whatever you multiplied on the bottom to find the common denominator , you must multiply to the numerator:
4(x-8)+3(x+8)
Now solve and simplfy:
4x-32+3x+24 =7x-8
Put this over your denominator :
7x-8/(x+8)(x-8) or 7x-8/x^2-64
Either of the above would be a valid  answer






work citations ;
Regents exam questions , Algebra 2& trigonometry practice: addition and subtraction of rationals, pg 3, www.jmap.org