Algebrarules.com

The most useful rules of basic algebra,
free, simple, & intuitively organized
X

Howdy! Here are a few very handy rules of algebra. These basic rules are useful for everything from figuring out your gas mileage to acing your next math test — or even solving equations from the far reaches of theoretical physics. Happy calculating!



Algebra Rule 5


Fractions can be summed by multiplying across between numerators and denominators, and multiplying denominators for a common denominator

```\left({a \over b}\right)+\left({c \over d}\right) = {(ad+bc) \over bd}```
Description:

If top and bottom of a fraction are both multiplied by the same number, the fraction remains unchanged. So, we can sum two fractions by first multiplying each fraction's numerator and denominator with the other fraction's denominator. Then, since both the fractions now have the same denominator (the product of the two denominators), we can combine them into one fraction, with the sum in the numerator.

```{3 \over 5}+{1 \over 3} = {(3*3) \over (5*3)} + {(1*5) \over (3*5)} = {(1*5)+(3*3) \over (3*5)} = {14 \over 15}```
« Previous Rule Next Rule »

A little bit about algebrarules.com

Algebra rules is a project by two of the folks who run The Autodidacts.

A couple of autodidact math enthusiasts, we were looking for all the rules of basic algebra concisely presented in one place. We couldn’t find such a place, so we made Algebrarules.com

These simple rules — applied with a pinch of imagination and a dash of arithmetic — can divide, conquer, and solve just about any practical algebra problem.

If you find errata in the math, bugs in the code of Algebrarules.com, or just want to say Eh, please send us a letter or join us on our roost: @rulesofalgebra.

Support algebrarules.com

You've made it all the way to the end! If you found this site useful, pay it forward by helping us help more people learn algebra!



Sign up for updates

Like what you see? Subscribe to get updates (and free stuff) delivered right to your inbox!
No Thanks