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This topic simplifies algebraic fractions by factorising and cancelling, and adds, subtracts, multiplies and divides them at GCSE level. It's a core topic in GCSE and iGCSE Maths with Edexcel and the other major boards. This free interactive eClassroom course walks through each step with worked examples and instant-feedback questions, so you can practise until it's secure.
How you do it
Factorise every top and bottom first, then cancel factors that appear in both — never individual terms across a sum. To add or subtract, find a common denominator. To divide, flip the second fraction and multiply.
Before you start
Everything here rests on factorising and fraction arithmetic. Getting it right here pays off in improper fractions and partial fractions. This is a Higher tier topic.
What you learn
To simplify, factorise the top and bottom, then cancel any factor common to both. To multiply, multiply the tops and multiply the bottoms, then simplify. To add or subtract, rewrite both fractions over a common denominator, then combine the numerators. The course works through simplifying, multiplying and dividing and adding and subtracting. Every section has instant-feedback practice questions matched to Edexcel iGCSE 4MA1 and the other major GCSE boards, and the course finishes with full exam-style questions you mark yourself.
Related Topics
Algebraic Fractions is a Algebra topic in the GCSE syllabus, covered here at Higher tier. It runs to 3 concepts, each followed by a check, with 2 worked examples along the way. Nearby topics in the same strand are Algebraic Notation, Algebraic Proof, Completing the Square and Differentiation. For unlimited practice, the Algebra revision engine builds new questions on demand and records your accuracy.
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