How to Simplify Complex Fractions Easily! (2 Methods)

Learn two powerful methods to simplify complex fractions in this algebra tutorial! Mario's Math Tutoring demonstrates how to eliminate fractions within fractions. Method 1: Combine and Divide First, combine the fractions in the numerator into a single fraction and do the same for the denominator. Then, treat the main fraction bar as division and multiply by the reciprocal ("keep it, change it, flip it"). Method 2: Clear Denominators (Least Common Multiple) Identify the least common multiple (LCM) of all denominators within the complex fraction. Multiply the entire numerator and the entire denominator of the complex fraction by this LCM to clear all inner denominators simultaneously. We'll work through two examples, applying both methods so you can choose your favorite! In this video, you'll discover: 0:00 Introduction to Simplifying Complex Fractions 0:30 What is a Complex Fraction? 0:50 Method 1: Combine and Divide 1:10 Example 1: (3/(x-2) - 2/(x+2)) / (4/(x²-4) + x/(x+2)) 1:20 Getting Common Denominators in the Numerator 2:30 Combining Numerator Fractions (Remember Parentheses for Subtraction!) 3:40 Factoring Denominators for Common Denominators 4:30 Combining Denominator Fractions 5:10 "Keep it, Change it, Flip it" (Multiply by Reciprocal) 6:00 Canceling Common Factors and Final Simplified Answer 6:50 Method 2: Clear Denominators (Least Common Multiple) 7:20 Finding the LCM of All Denominators 8:30 Multiplying Numerator and Denominator by the LCM 9:10 Distributing the LCM and Clearing Denominators 10:30 Simplifying and Combining Like Terms 11:10 Comparing Results from Method 1 and Method 2 12:00 Example 2: (5/(x-1)) / (2/(x+3) + 3/x) 12:20 Method 1: Combining Denominator Fractions 13:00 Factoring Denominators and Getting Common Denominators 14:30 Combining Denominator Fractions and Distributing 15:30 "Keep it, Change it, Flip it" and Canceling Factors 16:30 Final Simplified Answer for Method 1 17:00 Method 2: Clearing Denominators with LCM 17:20 Finding the LCM of All Denominators 18:10 Distributing the LCM and Clearing Denominators 19:10 Simplifying and Combining Like Terms 20:00 Final Simplified Answer for Method 2 Master complex fractions and simplify with confidence using these powerful techniques! #ComplexFractions #RationalExpressions #Algebra2 #Precalculus #MathTutorial #MathHelp ➡️JOIN the channel as a CHANNEL MEMBER at the "ADDITIONAL VIDEOS" level to get access to my math video courses(Algebra 1, Algebra 2/College Algebra, Geometry, and PreCalculus), midterm & final exam reviews, ACT and SAT prep videos and more! (Over 390+ videos)    / @mariosmathtutoring