Algebraic fractions - EdexcelSimplifying rational expressions

Simplifying rational expressions or algebraic fractions works in the same way as simplifying normal fractions. A common factor must be found and divided throughout. For example, to simplify the fraction \(\frac{12}{16}\), look for a common factor between 12 and 16. This is 4 as \(4 \times 3 = 12\) and \(4 \times 4 = 16\).

Divide 4 throughout the fraction, which gives \(\frac{12 \div 4}{16 \div 4} = \frac{3}{4}\).

Simplify \(\frac{6m^2}{3m}\).

To simplify this, look for the highest common factor of \(6m^2\) and \(3m\). This is \(3m\). Take this common factor out of each part of the fraction.

This gives \(\frac{6m^2 \div 3m}{3m \div 3m} = \frac{2m}{1} = 2m\).