IP EMaths Notes (Upper Sec, Year 3-4): 03) Algebraic Fractions and Surds

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08 Nov 2025, 00:00 Z

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Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)

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Q: What does IP EMaths Notes (Upper Sec, Year 3-4): 03) Algebraic Fractions and Surds cover?
A: Simplify algebraic fractions, manage restricted domains, and keep surd expressions exact throughout working.

Exact manipulation avoids rounding drift. Reduce algebraic fractions fully before substituting values, and rationalise surd denominators when presenting final answers.

Keep the full topic roadmap handy via our IP Maths tuition hub so you can jump into related drills, quizzes, or diagnostics as you move through these notes.

These notes align with SEAB GCE O-Level Mathematics (4048) content used in IP programmes (exams from 2026).

Status: SEAB O-Level Mathematics 4048 syllabus (exams from 2026) checked 2025-11-30 - scope unchanged; remains the reference for these notes.

Key techniques

• Factor numerator and denominator before cancelling: $\dfrac{x^{2} - 9}{x^{2} - x - 6} = \dfrac{(x - 3)(x + 3)}{(x - 3)(x + 2)}$