Chapter 11 - Operations on Algebraic Fractions

Abstract

This chapter examines operations on algebraic fractions. The degree of a monomial is equal to the sum of the exponents of its literal factors. A common factor is a numerical value, literal number, or expression that is divided without a remainder into each of two or more expressions. If there is only one common factor, it is called the highest common factor. In case there is more than one common factor, the highest common factor is the product of all the common factors. A multiple of a number is another number that is divisible by the first number without a remainder. The principle of variation is the same as the principle of proportion. A problem in variation is solved as a problem in proportion. To reduce a fraction to the lowest terms, one must cancel the factors that appear in both the numerator and denominator. It is found that division of algebraic fractions is expedited by inspection of the numerator and denominator for common terms that can be canceled.