| Step 1: | Factor both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. Remember to write the expressions in descending order, to factor out a negative number if the leading coefficient is a negative number, and use various factoring techniques to factor each expression. |
| Step 2: | Reduce the fraction. To reduce the fraction, cancel out expressions in the numerator and denominator that are exactly the same. |
| Step 3: | Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator. |
Example 1 – Simplify:
| Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. |  |
| Step 2: Reduce the fraction. |  |
| Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator. |  |
Example 2 – Simplify: 
| Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. |  |
| Step 2: Reduce the fraction. |  |
| Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator. |  |
Click Here for Practice Problems
Example 3 – Simplify: 
| Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. |  |
| Step 2: Reduce the fraction. |  |
| Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator. |  |
Click Here for Practice Problems
Example 4 – Simplify: 
| Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. |  |
| Step 2: Reduce the fraction. |  |
| Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator. |  |
Click Here for Practice Problems
Example 5 – Simplify: 
| Step 1: Factor both the numerator and denominator of the fraction. |  |
| Step 2: Reduce the fraction. |  |
| Step 3: Rewrite any remaining expressions in the numerator and denominator. |  |