Example

Try It 7.56: Simplifying 14+3812516\frac{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{8}}{\frac{1}{2}-\frac{5}{16}} Using the LCD

To simplify the complex rational expression 14+3812516\frac{\frac{1}{4}+\frac{3}{8}}{\frac{1}{2}-\frac{5}{16}} using the least common denominator (LCD) method:

Step 1 — Find the LCD of all inner fractions. The denominators are 4, 8, 2, and 16. The LCD is 16.

Step 2 — Multiply the numerator and denominator by the LCD, 16. 1614+1638161216516\frac{16 \cdot \frac{1}{4} + 16 \cdot \frac{3}{8}}{16 \cdot \frac{1}{2} - 16 \cdot \frac{5}{16}}

Step 3 — Simplify by distributing and multiplying. 4+2385=4+63\frac{4 + 2 \cdot 3}{8 - 5} = \frac{4 + 6}{3}

Step 4 — Combine terms in the numerator and denominator. 103\frac{10}{3}

The simplified expression is 103\frac{10}{3}.

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Updated 2026-06-29

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Ch.7 Rational Expressions and Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

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