Simplifying algebraic fractions

The Maths Habit

Ola crosses out the 6s in 1664
and gets 14. Is her method right?

Right answer, wrong method:
try it on 1224

Factorise

  1. x2 + 5x + 6

    (x + 2)(x + 3)

  2. x2 − 9

    (x + 3)(x − 3)

  3. x2 + 2x − 8

    (x + 4)(x − 2)

  4. 4x + 12

    4(x + 3)

Simplify

3(x + 1)x + 1 3

Simplify fully x2 + 7x + 10x + 5

=(x + 5)(x + 2)(x + 5)
Answerx + 2

Simplify fully x2 + 4x + 3x + 1

=(x + 1)(x + 3)(x + 1)
Answerx + 3

Simplify fully x2 + 7x + 10x + 5

=(x + 5)(x + 2)(x + 5)
Answerx + 2

Simplify fully x2 − x − 6x − 3

=(x − 3)(x + 2)(x − 3)
Answerx + 2

Simplifying algebraic fractions worksheet, page 1

Answer sheet

  1. Simplify fully x2 − 1x2 + 2x + 1

    x − 1x + 1

  2. Sam cancels the x2 in x2 + 3x2 + 5 to get 35. Explain the mistake.

    Only factors cancel

  1. Simplify fully x2 + 8x + 15x + 3

    x + 5

  2. Simplify fully x2 − 16x2 + 2x − 8

    x − 4x − 2

  3. Kai simplifies x + 12x + 4 to 3. Explain why he is wrong.

    No common factor to cancel
Exit tickets to print