What an algebraic fraction is
An algebraic fraction is just a fraction with letters in the top or bottom.
You already know fractions like . An algebraic fraction is exactly the same idea, except the numerator (top) or denominator (bottom) contains letters.
So , and are all algebraic fractions. The fraction line still means "divide the top by the bottom".
Here is the reassuring part: every rule you already know for ordinary fractions still works. Simplifying, multiplying, dividing, adding and subtracting all behave in exactly the same way β letters do not change the rules, they just come along for the ride.
Algebraic fractions appear whenever a quantity is shared, scaled or compared in algebra β in formulae for speed, in rates, and in rearranging equations. Getting comfortable with them now makes a great deal of later algebra feel familiar.
- An algebraic fraction has letters in its numerator or denominator.
- The fraction line still means 'divide'.
- Every rule for number fractions works for algebraic fractions.
- They appear in formulae, rates and rearranged equations.