## simplifying complex fraction: (3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)

Quadratic equations and inequalities, variation equations, function notation, systems of equations, etc.
Lila
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### simplifying complex fraction: (3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)

Please don't freak when you read this question. It's easier than it looks (I think!). I am just dumb and not sure how to answer it.
My textbook doesn't explain this method and I don't have a teacher so I'm stuck.
(3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)
(9x + 20y) / 10
I am not sure how to add two fractions that have completely different denominators. How did they do this?
Thanks!

stapel_eliz
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm
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My textbook doesn't explain this method and I don't have a teacher so I'm stuck.
(3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)
(9x + 20y) / 10
I am not sure how to add two fractions that have completely different denominators. How did they do this?
To learn how to add rational expressions (that is, polynomial fractions), try this lesson. (If you need to review how to work with numerical fractions, try this review.)

To learn how to simplify "complex" fractions (which is the term for this sort of expression), try here.

Lila
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Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:01 am
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### Re: simplifying complex fraction: (3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)

Hi, that was helpful but not what I was looking for I'm afraid :(
How do I add two fractions that have different pronumerals in the denominator? So if I had:
3/a + 4/b
How would I simplify that?
Hope there is a way to do this, otherwise I'll have to call the publishers of the textbook and ask them!

stapel_eliz
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm
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How do I add two fractions that have different pronumerals in the denominator?
Fractions with variables in the denominators are called "rational expressions". The method for adding rational expressions (that is, polynomial fractions) is exactly the same as for adding numerical fractions.

Since the lessons on fractions and adding rational expressions do not relate to what you are attempting, you must mean something other than just adding things like 3/a and 4/b, something other than simplifying 3/a + 4/b. However, I'm afraid I can't figure out what this "something other" might be...?

Lila
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### Re: simplifying complex fraction: (3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)

okay, I don't know what's going on either!
How do I simplify 3/a + 4/b? Would the LCM be 1?

stapel_eliz
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm
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How do I simplify 3/a + 4/b? Would the LCM be 1?
Since 1 is not a multiple of $a$ and $b$, no, this cannot be the Least Common Multiple.

To learn how to find LCMs of variable expressions, please try here. To see worked examples of this process, please review the lesson (provided earlier) on adding rational expressions.

Lila
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Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:01 am
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### Re: simplifying complex fraction: (3/8y + 5/6x) / (5/12xy)

oh okay, I'll check it out. Thanks so much!