# Algebraic fraction facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

An algebraic fraction is a fraction where the top and the bottom are algebraic expressions. Two examples of algebraic fractions are $\frac{3x}{x^2+2x-3}$ and $\frac{\sqrt{x+2}}{x^2-3}$.

A rational fraction is an algebraic fraction where the top and the bottom are polynomials. $\frac{3x}{x^2+2x-3}$ is a rational fraction, but $\frac{\sqrt{x+2}}{x^2-3}$ is not. This is because the top has a square root function.

## Operations

### Multiplication

$\frac{x^2+9x+20}{x^2-4} \cdot \frac{x+2}{x+4}$

$= \frac{{\color{Red}(x+4)}(x+5)}{{\color{Red}(x+2)}(x-2)} \cdot \frac{\color{Red}x+2}{\color{Red}x+4}$

$= \frac{x+5}{x-2}$

### Division

Turn the equation into multiplication by flipping one of the fractions. After that, do what is shown above.

$\frac{x^2+9x+20}{x^2-4} {\color{Green}\div} \frac{\color{Orange}x+2}{\color{Blue}x+4} = \frac{x^2+9x+20}{x^2-4} {\color{Green}\cdot} \frac{\color{Blue}x+4}{\color{Orange}x+2}$

Algebraic fraction Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.