Recognizing Complex Fractions

A complex fraction is a fraction in which the numerator, denominator, or both, also contain fractions. If the complex fraction contains a variable, it is called a complex rational expression.

It's just a fraction within a fraction.

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  The word "complex" in Complex Fraction means multifaceted or difficult.
  It does not imply a connection to Complex Numbers (numbers containing an i ).

= numerator of complex fraction main fraction line denominator of complex fraction

There are two methods that can be used to simplify complex fractions.  To simplify a complex fraction means to write the expression without a fraction in its numerator and its denominator.

Method 1:  Simplify complex fractions by multiplying by a common
                       denominator.

Method 2:  Simplify complex fractions by simplifying the numerator and
                       the denominator.

Remember that complex fractions ALWAYS need to be simplified.
It is too confusing to leave an answer in this complex form.