Example

Adding 11x+28x+4+x2x+4\frac{11x+28}{x+4} + \frac{x^2}{x+4}

To add the rational expressions 11x+28x+4\frac{11x+28}{x+4} and x2x+4\frac{x^2}{x+4}, follow the procedure for adding fractions with a common denominator. Since the denominator is x+4x+4, the restricted value is xeq4x eq -4.

Step 1 — Add the numerators over the common denominator. Both fractions share the denominator x+4x+4, so combine the numerators: 11x+28+x2x+4\frac{11x+28+x^2}{x+4}

Step 2 — Write the degrees in descending order. Rearrange the terms in the numerator: x2+11x+28x+4\frac{x^2+11x+28}{x+4}

Step 3 — Factor the numerator. The trinomial x2+11x+28x^2+11x+28 factors into (x+4)(x+7)(x+4)(x+7): (x+4)(x+7)x+4\frac{(x+4)(x+7)}{x+4}

Step 4 — Simplify. Divide out the common factor (x+4)(x+4): x+7x+7

The expression simplifies to x+7x+7, with the restriction xeq4x eq -4.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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