A Level Pure Mathematics 3 (P3) – Comprehensive Revision Guide (Edexcel)

Chapter 1: Algebraic Methods
Arithmetic operations with algebraic fractions
Multiply fractions:
 Factorise everything (if possible)
 Cancel any common factors
 Multiply the numerators and multiply the denominators

Divide fractions:
 Flip the second fraction and convert into multiplication


Example 1: Simplify the following

1 ExD
a) × =
IE

b) ÷ =
7
4
1
c) × =
IE D


= 2 2 354T
d) ÷
33

4H 11

, 2


Add or subtract:
 Factorise denominator
 Find LCM of denominators
 Write as a single fraction with LCM as a denominator
 Do the workings on numerator and factorise
 Simplify the fraction (if possible)
Example 2: Write as a single fraction:

a) − =
EW

E
b) ( )
− =




434T
15
c) + =




d)


11
−

I
=
ÉI
3