What are the steps involved in simplifying an algebric expression?

Question

It's a Algebra 1 Word Problem and I cant seem to get it, can someone figure this out?

Answer 1

To simplify an algebraic expression, we combine like terms. 

 

For simplifying algebraic expressions that consist of denominators, we first find the lowest common denominator (LCD).  Then we use the LCD to write an expression that is equivalent to the original expression.  We then add or subtract the numerators, depending on the operator, and combine like terms.  The last step is to factor out any terms for the possibility of cancelling out terms with the denominator, thus reducing the expression even further.