Question

Explain the steps involved in adding two rational expressions.

Answer 1

1. If the denominators are the same, simply add the numerators and place the answer over the common denominator.  Reduce the final answer if necessary.

2. if the denominators are different, then find the least common denominator and rewrite the rational expressions as equivalent rational expressions with the least common denominator.  Then add the numerators and place the answer over the common denominator.. Reduce your final answer if necessary.

Answer 2

Factor the denominators of each expression to find the LCD.

Rename each expression, if needed, by multiplying by a form of one to get the LCD.

Add the numerators, keeping the denominators the same.

If possible, simplify by factoring the numerator and  dividing out common factors from both the numerator and denominator.