Simplify an algebra fraction using factorising

Simon Deacon

7 years ago

Algebra Fractions using factorising

These questions are all about how to simplify algebra fractions and are popular on non calculator GCSE maths papers. They are either straightforward … or fairly difficult. The example in the picture shows the bottom expression as “2x squared …” and that type of question would be considered quite challenging.

Here’s some videos to explain factorising and this is the main skill that you’ll need most of the time. Like a lot of the algebra topics it is very difficult to give specific examples, as they all work together to solve many different types of questions. However, if you’re able to simplify an algebra fraction using factorising, it’ll help when working through higher level problems.

Top Tips!

Remember that you are working with fractions and the same rules apply.
With most of these types of questions, once you have factorised, you should be able to ‘cancel’ through top and bottom – see the videos for more details
If you can’t cancel through …. check your working. It’s usually something easy to find.
Practice learning to factorise!

If you’d like to ask for any more detail, or you’re not sure about anything, please do ask a question in the comments section.

All best with your studies.